How m6A RNA marks influence B cell DNA and antibody diversity
The role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in programmed and aberrant DNA mutagenesis in B cells
This project looks at whether a small chemical tag on RNA called m6A helps B cells make healthy antibody changes and prevents harmful DNA mistakes that can lead to blood cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240356 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will examine chemical m6A tags on RNA in B cells and how those tags affect the DNA changes B cells make to create diverse antibodies. The team will study the enzymes that add m6A (METTL3/METTL14) and proteins that read it, and how those factors interact with the AID enzyme that drives antibody gene changes. They will use lab-grown B cells, animal models, and genomic sequencing to track where mutations and chromosome breaks occur and how m6A affects them. The goal is to understand mechanisms that keep antibody production accurate and prevent chromosomal instability that can cause lymphomas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with B-cell disorders (for example certain lymphomas or antibody-deficiency conditions) or healthy volunteers willing to provide blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to B cells (such as isolated heart or kidney disease) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to protect B cells from harmful DNA damage and point to strategies to reduce B-cell cancers or immune defects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked m6A RNA modification to immune cell behavior, but applying this to antibody gene diversification and chromosomal stability is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basu, Uttiya — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Basu, Uttiya
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.