How RBM12 controls nerve cell signaling

Regulation of neuronal GPCR/PKA signaling by RBM12

['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11321213

The team will learn how a protein called RBM12 changes nerve cell communication that matters for some neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11321213 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

They will use human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons grown in the lab to model brain cells with normal or disease-linked RBM12 changes. The researchers will combine RNA genomics, biochemical and cell-signaling assays, and electrophysiology to see how RBM12 affects GPCR/cAMP/PKA signaling and neuronal activity. They will identify RBM12 sequence features and test whether human polymorphisms tied to neurodevelopmental or psychiatric disorders disrupt its function. Results will integrate molecular and electrical readouts to explain how RBM12 influences neuron behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders, especially those known to carry RBM12 variants or with symptoms linked to GPCR signaling, would be most relevant to this line of research.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to neuronal GPCR/cAMP/PKA signaling or who have no evidence of RBM12 involvement are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular mechanisms and potential drug targets that guide future treatments for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Related methods using human iPSC-neurons and RNA genomics have uncovered disease mechanisms in other contexts, but RBM12's role in neuronal GPCR signaling is largely novel and not yet well tested.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.