NIH-funded research R21 grant

Using CRISPR technology to understand how different RNA forms function in cancer

Official title: A CRISPR/Cas13 approach for identifying individual transcript isoform function in cancer

Funded at New York Genome Center · NIH-10671680 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain RNA molecules might play a role in cancer growth and why some treatments don't work, using a new method to carefully reduce these RNA levels in cancer cells to see what happens, all with the hope of finding better ways to fight cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York Genome Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$346,126
NIH project number5R21CA272345-02
Project IDNIH-10671680 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer who are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of their disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-malignant conditions or those not diagnosed with cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific RNA molecules, known as transcript isoforms, contribute to cancer development and treatment resistance. By employing a novel CRISPR/Cas13 technique, the study aims to selectively reduce the expression of these RNA forms in cancer cells, allowing researchers to observe their individual functions. This approach is designed to be more precise than traditional methods, minimizing unintended effects on other RNA molecules. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of cancer biology and improve therapeutic strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more targeted cancer therapies that specifically address the roles of different RNA forms in tumor growth and drug resistance.

How similar studies have gone: While CRISPR technology has shown promise in various applications, this specific approach targeting transcript isoforms in cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

  • New York Genome Center
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Knowles, David Arthur — New York Genome Center
  • Study coordinator: Knowles, David Arthur

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.