How RNA changes and R-loop damage may drive inflammation and DNA breaks in Alzheimer's
Role of R-loops in transcriptional stress, genome instability, and chronic immune response in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are looking at whether changes to RNA chemistry lead to RNA–DNA hybrids that cause DNA damage and long-term immune activation in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159614 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer's, this project is trying to understand a possible hidden cause of brain cell damage: build-ups of RNA–DNA hybrids called R‑loops that may trigger DNA breaks and chronic inflammation. The team will use fruit fly models that mimic Alzheimer‑like brain problems to map where R‑loops form and how a common RNA chemical mark (m6A) affects them. They will study whether R‑loops lead to transcriptional stress, double‑strand DNA breaks, and ongoing immune responses in the brain. Results aim to point to biological steps that could eventually be targeted to slow or prevent some Alzheimer‑related damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant funds laboratory research using fruit fly models and does not enroll human participants or require patient volunteers.
Not a fit: There is no opportunity for direct clinical benefit to patients from participation because the work is preclinical and does not involve human treatment or enrollment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent DNA damage and chronic inflammation in Alzheimer's, opening paths toward future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Some recent studies have linked m6A RNA marks and R‑loops to genome instability, but applying this connection specifically to Alzheimer’s biology is a newer and relatively untested direction.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Hana — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Hall, Hana
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.