How small RNAs in brain cell nuclei affect gene activity in depression
Novel regulatory role of nuclear miRNAs in repatterning the transcriptional and post-transcriptional dynamics in MDD brain
This work looks at tiny RNA molecules inside brain cells to understand how they change gene activity in people with major depressive disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11418838 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers compare brain tissue from people with major depressive disorder and from people without depression to find microRNAs that localize to the cell nucleus rather than the cytoplasm. They map where these nuclear miRNAs bind in gene promoters and 3' untranslated regions and measure how those interactions change RNA and protein levels. Laboratory molecular assays and cell-based tests are used to show whether specific nuclear miRNAs can alter transcriptional and post-transcriptional programs. The team aims to identify particular miRNAs and gene targets that help explain molecular changes seen in depressed brains.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with major depressive disorder, especially those willing to provide samples or participate in related biospecimen collections, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment or those without depression are unlikely to see direct short-term benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new biological targets or biomarkers that guide development of better treatments for depression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have found altered miRNA levels in depressed brains, but the idea that mature miRNAs act inside the nucleus to change transcription is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dwivedi, Yogesh — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dwivedi, Yogesh
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.