Understanding how RNA structures influence splicing regulation
Official title: Decoding global RNP topologies in splicing regulation
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11044189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how our genes create different proteins through a process called alternative splicing, which is important for understanding diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, with the hope of finding better, personalized treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $556,054 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG012928-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to splicing mutations, such as certain cancers, muscular dystrophies, or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without splicing-related conditions or those who do not have mutations affecting RNA processing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex mechanisms of alternative splicing (AS), which is crucial for generating diverse proteins from our genes. By developing innovative technologies to analyze RNA structures and their interactions with proteins, the study aims to uncover how these processes are regulated in cells. This could lead to new insights into diseases caused by splicing mutations, such as neurodegeneration and cancer, ultimately paving the way for precision medicine approaches tailored to individual patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies for diseases linked to splicing mutations, improving treatment outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of analyzing RNA structures is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of molecular biology, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Zhipeng — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lu, Zhipeng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
RNA dysregulation in a rare childhood brain disorder (PCH1b)
Researchers are studying a rare genetic brain disease in young children to understand how RNA processing goes wrong and leads to damage in the cerebellum and brainstem.
-
Studying how diverse signals come from similar molecules at glutamatergic synapses
A project at a university explores how synapses in the brain create different signals from a shared set of molecules, using a fruit-fly model to understand how this could relate to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
-
How brain chemicals may influence tau clumps in Alzheimer’s disease
A study from USC explores how certain brain chemicals might influence the clumping of tau protein related to Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to identify factors that could affect disease progression.
-
GLP-1 medicines and brain health: real-world clues about dementia risk
A nationwide study will follow adults 21 and older using GLP-1 medicines to see how these drugs relate to memory, thinking, and dementia risk in real life.
-
Male pesticide exposure and reproductive health through epigenetics
This project looks at how a man’s exposure to pesticides might affect his fertility and the health of his future children through changes in DNA.
-
Global effort to harmonize fMRI findings in psychiatry
A large, international effort will standardize how brain MRI data are collected and analyzed in people with various mental health conditions to improve consistency and discovery.
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.