Understanding how RNA localization affects cell movement in neural crest cells and related cancers
Official title: Regulation and function of subcellular RNA localization in neural crest cells and their derivatives
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11121182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how messenger RNA (mRNA) moves around in certain cells that are important for development and can be involved in cancer, like melanoma, to better understand how this affects cell behavior and could help improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,966 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD109457-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with melanoma or congenital abnormalities related to neural crest cell development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neural crest cell function or those not diagnosed with melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the localization of messenger RNA (mRNA) within neural crest cells, which are crucial for cell migration and development. By studying cultured melanoma cells and using mouse models, the project aims to uncover how mRNA localization influences protein function and contributes to conditions like cancer. The findings could provide insights into the physiological roles of mRNA during development and disease, particularly in aggressive cancers such as melanoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers and developmental disorders linked to neural crest cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding RNA localization in various cellular processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norris, Megan L — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Norris, Megan L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.