How tiny chemical tags on RNA in immune cells may affect disease risk
Genetic variation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in immune cells and its contribution to human diseases
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11259492
Researchers are looking at small chemical tags on RNA in immune cells to understand how they might change people's chances of getting conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and asthma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259492 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies a specific RNA modification called m6A in immune cells and examines how common genetic differences change those RNA tags. Scientists combine genetic data from people (including disease-linked GWAS results) with experiments in immune cells to find which variants alter m6A and downstream RNA behavior. The team focuses on B cells and related immune processes and links those molecular changes to risks for immune-related conditions. Results may come from analyzing patient genetic data, donated blood or cell samples, and laboratory work that connects the molecular findings back to human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with Alzheimer's disease, asthma, or other immune-related conditions who are willing to share genetic/health data or provide blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People without immune-related conditions or those unwilling or unable to provide genetic data or blood samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new biological markers or drug targets that help prevent or treat immune-related conditions like Alzheimer's-related inflammation and asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and genetic studies have shown m6A affects RNA function and that m6A-related genetic variants overlap disease-linked regions, but applying this approach directly to human disease genetics is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HE, XIN — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: HE, XIN
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease