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RNA Modifications Driving Oncogenesis (RNAMoDO) Program

Image of a line with symbols to represent RNA with modifications connected to a ribosome above "RNAMoDO"

The RNA Modifications Driving Oncogenesis (RNAMoDO) Program (funded through RFA-CA-24-029) is advancing fundamental studies in the emerging area of RNA modifications that underlie the oncogenic process, with a focus on the central role of RNA modifications in translational reprogramming of cancer cells. The molecular mechanisms for this reshaping of the translatome caused by dynamic changes in RNA modifications, and especially the interplay between different RNA modifications within and across RNA molecules during translation, are not understood and represent the focus of this initiative.

The program brings together experts in RNA modifications, translational regulation, and cancer biology who are investigating how dysregulations in mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA modifications could reprogram the translation machinery to drive cancer formation and progression.

RNAMoDO News

In December 2025, the program held its Kickoff Meeting (virtual) with introductory presentations by the U01 research project teams. 

In August 2026, the first RNAMoDO Annual Meeting took place at NCI Shady Grove, featuring research updates from the consortium members, presentations from invited guests, and discussions on ways to increase collaborations in this research field. 

Contact for RNAMoDO

For additional information about the RNAMoDO program, please contact Dr. Stefan Maas.

Funded Projects

InstitutionPrincipal Investigator(s)Project Title
City of HopeJianjun Chen, Xiaolan DengMechanism and therapeutic implication of RNA-modification-mediated codon-biased translation in acute myeloid leukemia
Scripps Research InstituteJames R. Williamson, Rachel Green, Gary E. SiuzdakLinks between rRNA and tRNA modifications, codon use,, translation, and metabolism in cancer cells
University of Massachusetts Medical School WorcesterRichard I. Gregory, Juan D. Alfonzo, Sergej Djuranovic, Elena PiskounovatRNA modification reprogramming and translation remodeling in cancer
University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterJoshua T. Mendell, Jan P. ErzbergerRegulation of mitochondrial activity and metastasis by dihydrouridine-modified tRNAs in renal cell carcinoma
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