How RNA editing changes in aging brains and Alzheimer's disease
Leveraging large-scale genomics to dissect A-to-I editing in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
This project looks at how a common RNA edit called A-to-I changes in aging and Alzheimer's brains to better understand disease processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285135 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are comparing large-scale genomic data from aging and Alzheimer's-affected brains to map where A-to-I RNA edits occur and how they change with age and dementia. They will link these editing changes to common genetic differences and to patterns of alternative RNA splicing using computational analyses of human brain samples. The team will also develop and use experimental tools to probe whether specific A-to-I edits alter RNA function or protein production. Together these approaches aim to clarify molecular steps that could drive or mark Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, or older adults willing to contribute genetic data or biospecimens such as brain tissue donations or blood samples.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate symptom relief or direct treatment are unlikely to benefit from this basic research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular mechanisms and new targets that might lead to future diagnostics or therapies for Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown A-to-I editing is altered with aging and in Alzheimer's, but functional links and the role of genetic variation remain largely untested, so this work builds on emerging evidence.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Breen, Michael S — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Breen, Michael S
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.