# A chemical biology toolbox for RNA post-transcriptional modification and capture

> **NIH NIH R35** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $1

## Abstract

Abstract
RNA serves as the key intermediate for carrying genetic information and translating functional proteins, and
numerous types of non-coding RNAs have also been recently discovered that play critical roles in cellular
processes. While RNAs are directly transcribed from DNA, their sequence, function, and translation efficiency
are all actively modulated in the cell though post-transcriptional localization and editing. These processes are
essential for development and cellular function and are dysregulated in many diseases. Despite the importance
of post-transcriptional localization and modification, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the timing,
mechanisms, and regulation of these events. Several methods have been reported that enable researchers to
label and image specific RNAs in living cells or pull-down and sequence edited transcripts from cell lysates.
However, significant technological limitations still exist, and addressing these gaps holds promise for the
development of new therapeutics and diagnostics. We have previously developed and implemented new
methods for covalent labeling and imaging of specific RNAs in cells as well as pull-down and enrichment of A-
to-I edited transcripts from cellular RNA. The future directions for our program include expanding this chemical
biology toolbox to provide researchers with new and improved technologies for probing these important cellular
processes. Additionally, recent studies have offered groundbreaking evidence for the hypothesis that asymmetric
localization of RNA serves as a mechanism for regulating editing. Thus, a significant focus of the proposed
research is to combine our imaging and editing-specific pull-down methods to advance understanding of the
interplay between these two processes. Together, this research aims to serve the scientific community by
providing insight into the regulation of RNA localization and modification as well as developing and disseminating
robust and well-validated technologies for studying and modulating biological systems.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10330822
- **Project number:** 1R35GM144075-01
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer Margaret Heemstra
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $1
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-01 → 2022-07-01

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10330822

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10330822, A chemical biology toolbox for RNA post-transcriptional modification and capture (1R35GM144075-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10330822. Licensed CC0.

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