How enhancer RNAs change gene control in Alzheimer's
Enhancer RNAs in brain gene regulation and Alzheimer's disease
This project looks at tiny RNA molecules called enhancer RNAs to understand how they alter gene activity in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298941 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team will study small RNA pieces made at gene enhancers that may be out of balance in Alzheimer's brains. They will work with human Alzheimer's brain tissue and genetic data and use advanced 3-D genome methods (like 4C-seq) to map how enhancers contact genes. The researchers will also examine how these enhancer RNAs bind proteins to form nuclear complexes that could change gene activity. The goal is to trace a chain from genetic risk signals through enhancer RNA activity to gene changes seen in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease or individuals willing to donate brain tissue, blood, or genetic information for observational research.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or those seeking immediate treatment effects are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets that might be used in the future to slow or prevent Alzheimer's-related gene changes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown enhancer changes and the existence of enhancer RNAs in the brain, but directly linking enhancer RNAs to Alzheimer's mechanisms is a relatively new and still unproven approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Wenbo — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Li, Wenbo
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.