# In situ assay imaging nuclear RNA exosome activity for cancer studies

> **NIH NIH R21** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2021 · $174,000

## Abstract

In situ assay imaging nuclear RNA exosome activity for cancer studies
Abstract
 The goal of this project is the initial development and demonstration of a new molecular technology which
offers highly novel measurement and targeting capabilities potentially transformative for cancer research. This
innovative approach will enable a new type assessment of molecular mechanisms of RNA turnover, essential
for cancer biology. The project will introduce the first in situ technology capable of labeling the RNA degrading
activity of nuclear RNA exosome. RNA exosome (not to be confused with the unrelated vesicular exosomes) is
the major enzymatic complex controlling RNA metabolism in cells. It is essential for life. Its fundamental
function is to keep cells in the proliferating state. An overactive exosome complex leads to higher rates of
cellular proliferation and is implicated in cancer development and progression. It is also a key molecular target
of anticancer therapies. Nuclear RNA exosome activity is critical in assessments of tumor cell stress and cell
death propensity, and in evaluating cancer response to therapies.
 In spite of the high utility of an assay labeling RNA exosome activity in situ, in fixed cells and tissue
sections, presently there is no such imaging technology. The process is currently studied by using bulk
biochemical approaches which have limited value in heterogeneous tissue samples.
 In this project we will overcome this limitation and will develop the first assay for labeling activity of nuclear
RNA exosome in the fixed tissue section format. The project will demonstrate the core functional capabilities of
the new molecular imaging technology with wide applicability in cancer studies.
Specific Aims of the proposal are:
1. To develop the first approach for specific labeling of nuclear RNA exosome activity in the fixed tissue section
format. The approach will permit visualization of nuclear exosome activity by using the innovative capped
hybrid RNA probe.
2. To test and validate the core functional capabilities of the newly developed in situ labeling technique in
tissue sections from models with activated and normal nuclear RNA exosome activity including glioblastoma.
To optimize the new method’s specificity, sensitivity and assure the robust reliability of detection.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10271690
- **Project number:** 1R21CA255979-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** VLADIMIR V DIDENKO
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $174,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-10 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10271690

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10271690, In situ assay imaging nuclear RNA exosome activity for cancer studies (1R21CA255979-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10271690. Licensed CC0.

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