Understanding RNA Changes in Our Cells

Uncovering the regulatory principles of dynamic mRNA methylation

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11138587

This research explores how tiny chemical changes on RNA molecules inside our cells help control how our genes work, especially in conditions like cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11138587 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our cells rely on RNA to carry instructions from our DNA, and small chemical tags on RNA can change these instructions, affecting how our bodies function. While we know some of these tags are important for health and disease, many remain a mystery. This project aims to uncover how these RNA tags are regulated and what they do, focusing on a newly discovered tag called m1A. By understanding these fundamental processes, we hope to learn more about how diseases like cancer develop.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could benefit patients with various cancers.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not benefit from this basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how gene expression is controlled, potentially opening new avenues for diagnosing and treating diseases, including various cancers.

How similar studies have performed: While the field of RNA modification is rapidly growing, this project addresses novel aspects and technical challenges in understanding specific new modifications and their regulatory mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.