How a chemical tag on RNA (m6A) may affect Alzheimer's disease
The role of N6-methyladenosine modified RNA in Alzheimer's disease
This research looks at whether changing levels of a common RNA tag called m6A can reduce toxic tau buildup in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237124 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying a chemical mark on RNA called m6A that they found is higher in brains with Alzheimer's. They examine brain tissue and lab-grown human nerve cells to see how m6A teams up with adapter proteins and toxic tau to harm brain cells. The team uses patient-derived cell models (iPSCs) and molecular methods to lower m6A and watch whether tau-related pathology and stress responses improve. Their work aims to map the m6A pathway as a possible target for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and those willing to donate blood or brain tissue would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's disease or whose cognitive decline is driven by non-tau causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce tau accumulation and slow progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory studies, including patient-derived cell models, show that lowering m6A can reduce tau problems, but this approach is still new and has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolozin, Benjamin L — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Wolozin, Benjamin L
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.