How tiny chemical marks on RNA shape the brain
Epitranscriptomic regulation in the mammalian nervous system
This project looks at how chemical changes to RNA affect brain cells and development, aiming to help people with neurological, psychiatric, or degenerative brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251249 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, the researchers grow human brain organoids from stem cells and study chemical marks on RNA to see how they change brain development. They also use mouse models and gene-editing to reproduce what happens when these RNA modifications are disrupted. Advanced sequencing and molecular tools will map where and when these RNA changes occur and how they affect cell function. Three linked projects tie basic findings to problems seen in developmental, psychiatric, and degenerative brain disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with neurological, psychiatric, developmental, or neurodegenerative conditions could be the most relevant participants for related future studies or for donating cells or samples.
Not a fit: People without brain-related conditions or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets and approaches that lead to better treatments for a range of brain disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Modified RNA approaches have proved powerful in vaccines, but applying epitranscriptomic methods to human brain organoids and disease models is a new area with limited prior patient-facing success.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ming, Guo-Li — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ming, Guo-Li
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.