A New Way to Map DNA Structures Linked to Alzheimer's and Aging
Official title: Versatile platform for genome-wide R-loop mapping for aging and neurodegenerative disease research
Funded at Epicypher, INC. · NIH-11196225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating a new and more accurate way to map special DNA structures called R-loops, which are connected to aging and brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Epicypher, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,274,958 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG090112-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11196225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is foundational, so it does not directly involve patients, but it aims to benefit those living with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this specific tool development project.
What this research studies
Our bodies have tiny DNA structures called R-loops that are usually temporary, but when they stick around too long, they can damage our DNA. This damage is strongly linked to aging and brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Currently, it's hard for scientists to reliably see exactly where these R-loops are located in our genes. This project aims to develop a much better tool, called CUTANA-RH™, to precisely map these R-loops. This new tool will help researchers understand how R-loops contribute to these diseases and find new ways to help patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new mapping tool could lead to a deeper understanding of aging and neurodegenerative diseases, potentially speeding up the discovery of new ways to diagnose and treat conditions like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have gone: While other methods exist for R-loop mapping, this project aims to overcome their limitations by developing a novel, more reliable, and sensitive approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Epicypher, INC.
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venters, Bryan J — Epicypher, INC.
- Study coordinator: Venters, Bryan J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.