How DALRD3 helps tRNA work in the brain
Mechanism and functions of DALRD3-dependent tRNA modification
This research looks at how the protein DALRD3 changes tRNA molecules and how those changes may lead to childhood brain disorders like epileptic encephalopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying DALRD3, a protein that helps modify tRNA, the small cellular helpers used to build proteins. They will compare normal and faulty DALRD3, including a mutation found in people with epileptic encephalopathy, using lab-grown human cells and biochemical tests to see how tRNA shape and function change. The team will measure how these tRNA changes affect protein production and nerve cell development. The goal is to explain why certain tRNA changes mainly harm the brain and to guide future diagnostic or treatment ideas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, unexplained neurodevelopmental disorders, or known DALRD3 genetic variants would be the most relevant candidates for related patient studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients whose brain conditions are not linked to tRNA modification or who lack relevant genetic findings are unlikely to benefit directly from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain how DALRD3-related tRNA problems cause neurological disease and point to new diagnostic markers or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have linked defects in tRNA-modifying enzymes to neurological disorders, but directly studying DALRD3’s role is a newer and less-tested approach with only preliminary supporting data.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Dragony — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Fu, Dragony
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.