How ADAR proteins edit RNA in brain cancer cells

Molecular mechanisms that regulate ADAR target recognition and RNA editing

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11257685

Researchers will map how ADAR proteins find and change RNA in cells to help people with brain cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11257685 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient's perspective, scientists are learning how ADAR proteins bind double-stranded RNA and convert adenosine to inosine, which changes how genes are read in cells. The team will use lab-based biochemical binding tests, molecular experiments in cell systems, and work in model organisms such as C. elegans to identify the RNA features ADARs recognize. They will link these molecular interactions to effects on gene activity and development, paying attention to pathways relevant to brain cancer. The goal is to produce knowledge that could guide future RNA-targeted treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with brain cancer who might donate tumor tissue or blood samples or consider enrollment in future RNA-editing therapy trials.

Not a fit: Patients without brain tumors or whose cancers do not involve ADAR-related RNA changes are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic research in the near term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help enable RNA-based approaches to correct harmful mutations or better target gene activity in brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal work has shown ADARs can be manipulated to change RNA editing, but translating those findings into safe, effective human therapies remains largely experimental.

Where this research is happening

BLOOMINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Brain Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.