Understanding how UPF1 controls RNA decay to help treat genetic diseases
Official title: Mechanism of the RNA helicase UPF1 regulatory loop in RNA decay target selection
Funded at Villanova University · NIH-11440177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Villanova University looks at how a key RNA-helicase, UPF1, decides which RNA messages get destroyed, with the aim of someday influencing gene messages linked to diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Villanova University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Villanova, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $396,941 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM166980-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with genetic diseases where RNA decay pathways play a role may benefit from future therapies developed from these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or conditions not involving RNA decay dysregulation may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the UPF1 protein and its regulatory loop to understand how RNAs are chosen for decay in human cells. Researchers will create and test variants of UPF1 to see how changes in the loop affect RNA binding and decay. The findings could enable precise control of RNA fate in cells, with potential implications for diseases caused by faulty RNA processing. The work is conducted in human-cell systems to explore mechanisms that could lead to targeted therapies in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could pave the way for new strategies to modulate RNA decay in diseases caused by faulty RNA processing.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in RNA decay mechanisms have shown that UPF1-related processes can influence RNA fate, supporting translational potential.
Where this research is happening
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Villanova University
Villanova, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fritz, Sarah Elizabeth — Villanova University
- Study coordinator: Fritz, Sarah Elizabeth
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.