Understanding how tiny RNA molecules control genes in cancer
Involvement of Noncanonical Short RNAs in gene repression through the RNA-induced-silencing complex
This research explores how small RNA molecules, called non-canonical short RNAs, help control which genes are active or inactive, especially in cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109584 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For many years, scientists have known that tiny molecules called microRNAs play a big role in how our cells work, including their growth and how cancer develops. This project focuses on other similar small RNAs, called non-canonical short RNAs (ncsRNAs), which were not previously thought to be involved in gene control. We have found that some of these ncsRNAs, specifically tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), can also turn genes on or off. Our goal is to discover how cells prevent other tRFs from improperly controlling genes and how these processes might be disrupted in cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not involve direct patient participation, but its findings could eventually benefit patients with various types of cancer.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to gene regulation or cancer may not directly benefit from this specific area of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new fundamental ways that cancer cells regulate their genes, potentially leading to new targets for future cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While microRNAs are well-understood, the role of non-canonical short RNAs like tRFs in gene regulation is a more recent and less explored area of discovery.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dutta, Anindya — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dutta, Anindya
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 below.