# Molecular interactions required for targeting mRNA to nonsense-mediated decay.

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Case Western Reserve University (OH) · $1,014,796

## Abstract

Cells have evolved sophisticated strategies to ensure the accurate expression of genetic information and safeguard against potentially harmful effects of defective messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins. One such strategy recognizes mRNA translation events that terminate prematurely and targets the faulty mRNA transcript for rapid degradation. This critical quality control activity prevents accumulation of unproductive mRNAs and averts expression of incomplete, potentially toxic proteins. Despite it being a conserved and vital mechanism of gene regulation in most cells, how a cell distinguishes premature translation termination from normal termination and how that leads to accelerated degradation of the faulty mRNA remains poorly understood. This project seeks to identify and investigate key molecular interactions between the translation machinery and mRNA surveillance components necessary to target mRNA for degradation. In addition to advancing understanding of a fundamentally important biological process, this work will provide research experiences for students at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels. Findings will be disseminated broadly among scientific communities and shared with the public to promote engagement in science.

This research will interrogate the molecular interactions and events that occur between the translation and mRNA surveillance machineries to mediate recognition and rapid degradation of nonsense-containing mRNA via nonsense-mediated mRNA d

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2531171
- **Awardee organization:** Case Western Reserve University (OH)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HJMKEF7EJW69
- **PI:** Kristian E Baker
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANOSCALE BIO CORE
- **Estimated total:** $1,014,796
- **Funds obligated:** $1,014,796
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2531171

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2531171, Molecular interactions required for targeting mRNA to nonsense-mediated decay.. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2531171. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*