How the ADAR enzyme helps stop the immune system from attacking the body
Regulatory and Mechanistic Understanding of ADAR-Mediated RNA Editing
Researchers want to understand how the ADAR enzyme edits RNA so the immune system does not mistake the body's own molecules, with the goal of helping people with autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317204 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team is looking at a cell enzyme called ADAR1 that changes certain RNA letters to keep the immune system from reacting to the body's own molecules. They will examine how ADAR1 interacts with immune sensors (like MDA5 and PKR) and why one ADAR1 form works in the cell fluid while another stays in the nucleus. The work uses molecular lab methods, biochemical assays, and cell-based experiments to map where and how these edits happen. Findings could point to targets for future treatments that calm inappropriate immune activation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with autoimmune conditions or people willing to donate blood or tissue samples for laboratory research would be the most relevant participants for related human-sample parts of this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments or those without immune-related issues are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat autoimmune reactions by correcting or mimicking ADAR-related RNA editing.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked ADAR1 to preventing self-directed immune responses in models, but the exact molecular mechanisms remain not fully worked out in human-relevant systems.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jin Billy — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Li, Jin Billy
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.