How the ALKBH8 gene helps brain cells make proteins and affects learning
Function of ALKBH8 and tRNA modification in the nervous system
Researchers are looking at how changes in a gene called ALKBH8 and its effects on tRNA might lead to learning and memory problems, particularly in people with intellectual disability.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11296161 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses fruit fly models and lab-grown human neurons and brain organoids to study how ALKBH8 changes affect tRNA and protein production in the nervous system. The team will map when and where ALKBH8 is needed during brain development and how it responds to neuronal activity and oxidative stress. They will also use whole-brain transcriptomics and proteomics to find proteins affected by ALKBH8 and test whether boosting related pathways can bypass the defect. The goal is to connect molecular changes to synapse formation and learning outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with intellectual disability known or suspected to be caused by ALKBH8 mutations, or families willing to donate blood or cells for research, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Individuals whose cognitive issues are caused by unrelated conditions or who need immediate treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or strategies to prevent or treat learning and memory problems linked to ALKBH8 biology.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies in fruit flies show ALKBH8 affects tRNA and learning, but translating those findings into human therapies remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connor-Giles, Kathaleen M — Brown University
- Study coordinator: O'connor-Giles, Kathaleen M
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.