How the RNA tagger METTL3 affects motor neuron health and TDP-43 in Alzheimer’s and related disorders
METTL3-mediated regulation of motor neuron function
Looks at whether changes to an RNA chemical tag added by METTL3 change how the protein TDP-43 behaves in motor neurons, which may matter for people with Alzheimer's disease and ALS/FTD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hunter College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134645 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab-focused project studies a small chemical mark on RNA called m6A, added by the enzyme METTL3, and how it controls the TDP-43 protein that is linked to Alzheimer’s and ALS/FTD. Researchers will use stem cell-derived motor neurons and molecular tools to reduce or alter m6A marks and then watch where TDP-43 goes inside cells and how neurons function. They will measure RNA modifications, protein levels, and neuron health and behavior to see if losing m6A causes harmful changes. The work aims to reveal molecular steps that could be targeted in future patient therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, or related frontotemporal dementias — or those willing to donate biological samples — would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: People without neurodegenerative brain or motor neuron disorders or those seeking immediate treatment effects are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to slow or prevent neuron damage in Alzheimer’s disease and ALS/FTD.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked m6A regulation and TDP-43 biology, but applying these findings to Alzheimer’s and ALS/FTD is relatively new and has not yet produced proven treatments.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Hunter College — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lotti, Francesco — Hunter College
- Study coordinator: Lotti, Francesco
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.