How ADAR1 finds and binds unusual Z-shaped RNA in cells
Molecular recognition by ADAR1 of Z-RNA within transcriptomes
This work looks at how the ADAR1 protein recognizes a left-handed Z-shaped form of RNA that may drive inflammation in people with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and similar autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195018 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers will map where these Z-shaped RNA forms appear across the body’s RNA messages using transcriptome-wide sequencing. They will use structural biology and biochemical lab tests to see exactly how ADAR1’s Zα domain binds those shapes. The team will compare classic CpG-repeat sequences and many non-CpG sequences to learn how Z-RNA forms and is stabilized. Most experiments will be done in cells and purified systems, combined with analysis of disease-relevant RNA samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, other interferon-driven autoimmune disorders, or those willing to donate blood or tissue samples for RNA studies would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical benefit are unlikely to gain short-term benefits because this is fundamental laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could explain why ADAR1 misediting causes autoinflammatory brain disease and point to new targets for diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has linked ADAR1 editing to autoinflammation and characterized parts of the Zα domain, but mapping Z-RNA across transcriptomes and defining recognition at many non-CpG sites is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vicens, Quentin — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Vicens, Quentin
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.