Understanding mRNA Changes in Cancer
Role of the Epitranscriptome in Cancer
This project looks at how tiny changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) might contribute to cancer and explores new ways to target these changes for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160472 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer affects many people, and finding new treatment options is crucial. This project explores a new area called the "epitranscriptome," which involves modifications to messenger RNA (mRNA) that haven't been fully understood in cancer. Researchers will examine these mRNA changes in human lung and colon cancer tissues and normal tissues. They will also test potential new drugs in cancer cells and mouse models to see if they can correct these mRNA changes and stop cancer growth. This work aims to establish a completely new way to fight cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with lung or colon adenocarcinoma might eventually benefit from therapies developed through this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions other than cancer, or those whose cancer does not involve epitranscriptomic changes, may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the discovery of entirely new drug targets and treatments for various cancers.
How similar studies have performed: While drugs targeting DNA and histone modifications are used in the clinic, the relevance of mRNA methylation in cancer is a novel and largely unexplored area.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gregory, Richard I. — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Gregory, Richard I.
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.