Exploring the role of circular RNAs in understanding psychiatric disorders
Official title: Utilizing circRNA transcriptomics for functional characterization of psychiatric GWAS
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11067804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of RNA, called circular RNAs, might play a role in mental health issues like bipolar disorder and depression, with the hope of discovering new genes and pathways that could help us understand these conditions better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH136479-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder or clinical depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with psychiatric disorders not related to the genetic factors being studied may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders by focusing on circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are a type of RNA that can regulate gene expression. The team will utilize advanced genetic techniques to analyze how these circRNAs are associated with psychiatric conditions, particularly through transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS). By integrating data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with circRNA transcriptomics, the research aims to identify novel genes and pathways that contribute to the risk of psychiatric disorders. This could lead to a better understanding of the biological processes involved in conditions like bipolar disorder and clinical depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into the genetic factors contributing to psychiatric disorders, potentially leading to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of circRNA studies with GWAS is a relatively novel approach, previous research has shown promise in using transcriptomic data to uncover genetic associations in psychiatric disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jajoo, Aarti — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jajoo, Aarti
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.