Blood test looking at small RNA fragments to detect and track Alzheimer's
tRNA-derived RNA Fragments (tRF) as Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease
This project will check whether specific small RNA fragments in blood can help detect and track Alzheimer's disease in people with memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11505138 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will measure tiny RNA pieces called tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) in blood samples from people with Alzheimer's, people with other dementias, those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy older adults. In an initial discovery phase they will compare tRF patterns across these groups to find which tRFs best separate Alzheimer's from other conditions. In the follow-on phase they will test a new lab assay to see if those tRF signatures can distinguish early MCI from Alzheimer's and whether levels track disease severity over time. The team combines broad discovery methods with a precise quantification technique to build and validate a blood-based biomarker signature.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants include people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, people with mild cognitive impairment, individuals with other neurodegenerative dementias, and healthy older adults willing to provide blood samples.
Not a fit: People whose memory problems are caused by non-neurological issues or who cannot give blood are unlikely to benefit directly from this biomarker study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a simple blood test that helps detect Alzheimer's earlier and track disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary work has shown tRF changes in Alzheimer's brain tissue and some supporting signals in early serum samples, but using tRFs as a validated blood diagnostic or staging tool is still novel and unconfirmed.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bao, Xiaoyong — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Bao, Xiaoyong
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 below.