NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how unconventional RNA translation works

Official title: Computational and experimental approaches for decoding the function and regulation of unconventional RNA translation

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11010720 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring how certain parts of RNA, which we used to think didn’t make proteins, can actually create new proteins that might play important roles in our health and diseases, with the hope of finding new ways to treat illnesses.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2025
Project endNovember 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$449,625
NIH project number1R35GM156417-01
Project IDNIH-11010720 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cellular growth and signaling, where unconventional RNA translation may play a role.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA translation or those not affected by cellular signaling pathways may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex processes of unconventional RNA translation, which can produce new proteins from regions of RNA previously thought to be non-coding. By utilizing advanced computational tools and experimental techniques, the study aims to decode the mechanisms behind these hidden translations and their roles in cellular functions and development. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these unconventional proteins contribute to health and disease, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments by uncovering previously unknown proteins that play critical roles in disease.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding unconventional RNA translation, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chen, Yiwen — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Chen, Yiwen

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.