How the brain RNA Neat1 affects memory in Alzheimer's
The role of IncRNA Neat1 in Alzheimer's disease and related memory deficits
Researchers aim to change levels of the brain RNA Neat1 in the hippocampus to see if that helps protect or improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.
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-11299569 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models of Alzheimer's to study a long non-coding RNA called Neat1 in the hippocampus, the part of the brain important for memory. Scientists will lower or raise Neat1 in specific hippocampal cells, measure changes in gene activity and epigenetic marks, and run memory tests in the animals. By linking molecular changes to memory performance, they hope to understand how Neat1 contributes to memory loss in Alzheimer’s. The ultimate goal is to determine whether targeting Neat1 could inform new treatments to preserve or restore memory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer's disease or related memory impairment would be the most likely candidates for eventual treatments informed by this research.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical laboratory work using animal models, people without Alzheimer's or those with very advanced disease are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to protect or restore memory in people with Alzheimer's by targeting Neat1.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies targeting epigenetic regulators have produced memory effects, but directly targeting lncRNAs like Neat1 is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lubin, Farah Dominique — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lubin, Farah Dominique
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.