circRNAs Contribute to Brain Cancer
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Through in vitro and in vivo studies we intend on elucidating how small RNAs can inhibit tumorigenic properties. Our model system to address this question is triple-negative breast cancer, and brain cancer.
Understanding the cause of brain cancer:
We are using new tools to perturb non-coding RNAs during normal brain development in vitro to help identify which essential pathways, that when go awry, cause cancer. MicroRNA fundamentals in cancer: There is still much to be explored regarding the biogenesis, processing, and function of microRNAs. We are identifying novel mechanisms that alter the activity, targeting capacity, and function of miRNAs in normal cells versus cancer. See more information at Brain Institute America.com
About This Project
Recently, scientists have discovered an entirely new category of gene product called noncoding RNA, which does not make protein, but instead RNAs that regulate the expression of all genes at the RNA level. We have identified a novel RNA transcript that is detectable in human cancer cell lines, but not normal lines. Therefore, we intend to unlock the mysteries of this noncoding RNA by performing knockdown studies to determine the functional consequences after cells loose this RNA molecule
What is the context of this research?
The context of this project is to acquire preliminary data for a few noncoding RNAs of interest. This is purely a biomarker by design type study. Primarily we are focused on circRNAs. circRNAs were initially discovered in the late 70’s with the discovery of viroids, but has since been considered a fluke of RNA splicing. Through recent RNA sequencing studies by Jeck et.al, and others, as well as bioinformatic approaches, circRNAs have been identified and characterized as important players in certain diseases including cancer. We want to continue this line of study by understanding whether certain circRNAs are detected in brain cancer specimens, and if they contribute to disease.
What is the significance of this project?
This project will allow us to identify novel gene products that can serve as cancer biomarkers and or drug targets. Our works serves as the basis for further studies. Importantly, this is an entirely crowdfunded proposal. Donor feedback and support is entirely supported and encouraged. All data will be published in open access journal to support the cause of ending brain cancer.
What are the goals of the project?
Goal 1: We have 5 candidate circRNAs that we first want to perform endpoint PCR to compare the expression of these RNAs in normal versus cancer cell lines. This is a pilot goal aimed at determining the existence of these RNAs for RNA isolates.
Goal 2: Through collaborations we have access to clinical specimens from various institutions, with the goal of screening for the presence of these RNAs in these clinical specimens.
Goal 3: Once we acquire information pertaining to expression of these RNAs in clinical specimens, we can then develop tools to link this data with overall survival and other clinical endpoints.
Goal 4: We will summarize the results of this project, which will serve as pilot data for small grants to further pursue the project.
Budget
In Silico Data Analysis
$500
Polymerase Chain Reaction Reagents
$3,000
Molecular Biology Reagents
$1,000
Manuscript Publication Costs
$1,000
Accessing Clinical Samples
$1,000
Overhead for Lab Space
$1,000
In this project we are asking for support to determine if a handful of candidate non codingRNAs are expressed in brain cancer samples, and if they correlate with disease pathogenesis. Therefore the funds we are asking for, help supplement this project by allowing us to perform the PCR experiments necessary to determine noncoding RNA expression in clinical specimens.
The goal of my company is to blend academic research with the private sector, in order to develop sustainable cures for aggressive cancers. In this regard every project we fund through open source donations or crowd funding options means that we are committed to publishing those findings in open-source journals so that the entire community can understand how to fund additional projects that may benefit society.
https://youtu.be/0LmNzijrWKI
Understanding the cause of brain cancer:
We are using new tools to perturb non-coding RNAs during normal brain development in vitro to help identify which essential pathways, that when go awry, cause cancer. MicroRNA fundamentals in cancer: There is still much to be explored regarding the biogenesis, processing, and function of microRNAs. We are identifying novel mechanisms that alter the activity, targeting capacity, and function of miRNAs in normal cells versus cancer. See more information at Brain Institute America.com
About This Project
Recently, scientists have discovered an entirely new category of gene product called noncoding RNA, which does not make protein, but instead RNAs that regulate the expression of all genes at the RNA level. We have identified a novel RNA transcript that is detectable in human cancer cell lines, but not normal lines. Therefore, we intend to unlock the mysteries of this noncoding RNA by performing knockdown studies to determine the functional consequences after cells loose this RNA molecule
What is the context of this research?
The context of this project is to acquire preliminary data for a few noncoding RNAs of interest. This is purely a biomarker by design type study. Primarily we are focused on circRNAs. circRNAs were initially discovered in the late 70’s with the discovery of viroids, but has since been considered a fluke of RNA splicing. Through recent RNA sequencing studies by Jeck et.al, and others, as well as bioinformatic approaches, circRNAs have been identified and characterized as important players in certain diseases including cancer. We want to continue this line of study by understanding whether certain circRNAs are detected in brain cancer specimens, and if they contribute to disease.
What is the significance of this project?
This project will allow us to identify novel gene products that can serve as cancer biomarkers and or drug targets. Our works serves as the basis for further studies. Importantly, this is an entirely crowdfunded proposal. Donor feedback and support is entirely supported and encouraged. All data will be published in open access journal to support the cause of ending brain cancer.
What are the goals of the project?
Goal 1: We have 5 candidate circRNAs that we first want to perform endpoint PCR to compare the expression of these RNAs in normal versus cancer cell lines. This is a pilot goal aimed at determining the existence of these RNAs for RNA isolates.
Goal 2: Through collaborations we have access to clinical specimens from various institutions, with the goal of screening for the presence of these RNAs in these clinical specimens.
Goal 3: Once we acquire information pertaining to expression of these RNAs in clinical specimens, we can then develop tools to link this data with overall survival and other clinical endpoints.
Goal 4: We will summarize the results of this project, which will serve as pilot data for small grants to further pursue the project.
Budget
In Silico Data Analysis
$500
Polymerase Chain Reaction Reagents
$3,000
Molecular Biology Reagents
$1,000
Manuscript Publication Costs
$1,000
Accessing Clinical Samples
$1,000
Overhead for Lab Space
$1,000
In this project we are asking for support to determine if a handful of candidate non codingRNAs are expressed in brain cancer samples, and if they correlate with disease pathogenesis. Therefore the funds we are asking for, help supplement this project by allowing us to perform the PCR experiments necessary to determine noncoding RNA expression in clinical specimens.
The goal of my company is to blend academic research with the private sector, in order to develop sustainable cures for aggressive cancers. In this regard every project we fund through open source donations or crowd funding options means that we are committed to publishing those findings in open-source journals so that the entire community can understand how to fund additional projects that may benefit society.
https://youtu.be/0LmNzijrWKI
Organizer
Brian D. Adams
Organizer
New Haven, CT