# High-throughput micro-RNA profiling of single cells and its application in leukemia

> **NIH NIH K99** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2021 · $83,648

## Abstract

Project Summary
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) holds the promise to revolutionize the study of biology
by allowing measurement of cellular processes within individual cells with unprecedented
precision and breadth. Micro-RNAs (miRNA) are a class of small regulatory RNAs that are
involved in a range of biological processes such as organismal development, cellular
differentiation, and major signaling pathways. miRNA signatures correlate strongly with disease
phenotype and can serve as reliable biomarkers.
This proposal will develop a microfluidic platform that can allow isolation and sequencing of
miRNA from individual single-cells in a highly-parallel and unbiased manner. In the K99 phase, I
will sequentially develop each segment of the device and optimize the reactions and processes
associated with it. The device will be tested and validated using control cell lines to determine the
sensitivity of detection, and establish the quality of single cell data. Finally, I will use the platform
to profile miRNA expressions in leukemia cell lines and those obtained from patients with the goal
to identify expression patterns that will have diagnostic or prognostic value.
The R00 phase of the project will focus on applying this platform in studying disease
pathogeneses in leukemia. Findings from the study will shine light on new pathways for disease
progression and drug resistance, which can be used for developing new therapeutic modalities. I
will also develop the platform as an ultra-sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting leukemia in
patients.
I also propose an extensive training program that will help me realize my career goals and support
my transition to an independent research position. The research environment at Koch Institute is
unparalleled and offers the unique opportunity to interact and collaborate with eminent biologists
and engineers. I have assembled an exceptional team: Prof. Dan Anderson and Prof. Robert
Langer, experts in bioengineering and high-throughput techniques, will mentor me. I will work very
closely with Prof. Phillip Sharp, RNA Biologist, who will help me address the molecular biology
component of the project. Dr. Amir Faithi will provide clinical samples and direction to increase
the medical impact of the project. My training will also involve mentoring students, presenting my
work in single-cell meetings, and science outreach.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10424916
- **Project number:** 3K99EB025254-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Suman Bose
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $83,648
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-09-15 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10424916

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10424916, High-throughput micro-RNA profiling of single cells and its application in leukemia (3K99EB025254-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10424916. Licensed CC0.

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