Understanding how the telomerase RNA component is controlled in blood cell formation
Official title: Uncovering Novel Regulatory Pathways and Functions of the Telomerase RNA Component in the Hematopoietic System
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11502670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the telomerase RNA (TERC) is regulated in blood cells to explain why some people develop bone marrow problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | February 18, 2026 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $599,076 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL172961-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11502670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with bone marrow failure due to telomere biology disorders, or individuals with related hematopoietic issues, could benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
If a patient’s condition does not involve telomere biology defects or requires non-hematopoietic interventions, direct benefit may be limited.
What this research studies
This project looks at the molecular pathways that govern TERC biogenesis and decay during blood cell development. It uses lab models of human blood cell formation from stem cells and animal models to explore how TERC regulation affects erythroid, myeloid, and lymphoid lineages. The study aims to identify targets that could lead to new treatments for bone marrow failure tied to telomere biology disorders. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers hope to uncover ways to restore healthy blood cell production in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to new therapies that improve or restore bone marrow function for patients with telomere-related blood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that telomere biology is critical for blood cell development, and models have yielded insights that this area is promising but still exploratory in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Batista, Luis Francisco Zirnberger — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Batista, Luis Francisco Zirnberger
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.