# Spatiotemporal dynamics of dsRNA-protein associations throughout C. elegans development

> **NIH NIH F32** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $74,284

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structures are abundant in the nucleus and have been implicated in
various diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, cancers, and neurological conditions like epilepsy and
Alzheimer's. However, their functional role in RNA biology remains poorly understood, representing a significant
gap in our knowledge. Our project aims to investigate the hypothesis that dsRNA presents a unique substrate in
nascent transcripts, acting as a nucleation site for context-specific functional protein complex formation. Building
on the Bass Lab's previous findings that dsRNAs are highly expressed in essential genes embedded in
heterochromatin and enriched in embryos and neurons, we will employ computational approaches, including
thermodynamics and machine learning, to identify high-confidence dsRNA-forming sequences and analyze their
spatiotemporal expression patterns throughout C. elegans development. In the next phase of our project, we will
explore the direct interaction of dsRNA binding proteins and the potential roles of secondary interacting proteins
in forming diverse double-stranded ribonucleoprotein complexes using the J2 antibody and TurboID-based
proteomics. This research will be conducted at the University of Utah Medical School under the mentorship of
Distinguished Professor Brenda Bass, who has extensive experience in training independent scientists in
biochemistry and molecular biology. The Bass Lab, within the Department of Biochemistry, provides the
necessary resources and environment for successful postdoctoral training and project completion.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10826165
- **Project number:** 1F32GM153132-01
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Ryan John Andrews
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $74,284
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-02-01 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10826165

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10826165, Spatiotemporal dynamics of dsRNA-protein associations throughout C. elegans development (1F32GM153132-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10826165. Licensed CC0.

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