Understanding how RNA splicing changes drive cell behavior in disease
Official title: R35 Administrative Supplement for Equipment: REGULATION AND CONSEQUENCES OF CRYPTIC SPLICING
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11529934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how alternative RNA splicing influences cell state changes linked to diseases like fibrosis and cancer, with a focus on EMT.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $34,427 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM131876-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11529934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients or patient-derived samples where EMT-related processes are relevant (e.g., certain cancers or fibrotic conditions) and who can provide tissue or data for research analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without conditions involving EMT-related processes may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
The researchers study how different splice variants of RNA lead to distinct protein forms that affect how cells communicate and move. They will examine how splicing regulation, especially involving the CD44 gene and hnRNPM, controls the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This work uses existing lab models and computational tools to map splicing patterns and their consequences for cell biology. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent harmful cell state changes in disease. The project is supported by a supplemental grant to a Baylor College of Medicine lab in Houston.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could identify new ways to intervene in diseases where EMT and splicing misregulation contribute to progression, such as fibrosis and metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work has demonstrated a causal link between CD44 splicing and EMT, supporting further exploration of splicing-based interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Chonghui — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Chonghui
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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.