How PRMT9 helps brain cells form connections
Biological function and regulation of PRMT9 in synapse development
This project looks at how the protein PRMT9 changes RNA splicing and nerve-cell connections in ways that may matter for some forms of intellectual disability.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295411 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone affected by intellectual disability, I want to know how changes in PRMT9 affect brain wiring. The team will study how PRMT9 adds chemical marks to a splicing protein called SF3B2 and how that changes pre-mRNA splicing in neurons. They will use biochemical experiments and a new conditional Prmt9 knockout mouse to see how loss of PRMT9 alters synapse development and brain function. Results will be compared to human genetic findings linking PRMT9 mutations to autosomal recessive intellectual disability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with intellectual disability, particularly those found to have PRMT9 mutations or suspected splicing-related genetic changes, would be most directly relevant.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive or neurological problems are due to unrelated causes (for example traumatic brain injury, metabolic disorders, or non-splicing genetic causes) are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal markers or molecular targets that lead to better diagnosis or future treatments for intellectual disability linked to PRMT9 or splicing defects.
How similar studies have performed: Studies of other PRMT enzymes and RNA splicing have provided important insights, but the role of PRMT9 in synapse development is largely new and not yet well tested.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Yanzhong — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Yang, Yanzhong
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.