Identifying blood markers for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents
Official title: Neural-Derived Plasma Exosomal MicroRNAs As Promising Novel Biomarkers for Suicidality and Treatment Outcome in Adolescents
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10877976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles in the blood that might help us find specific markers for understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers, with the hope of improving how we predict and support those at risk.
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 start | August 16, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $739,959 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130539-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those without any history of suicidal ideation or attempts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of neural-derived exosomes from blood plasma to identify microRNAs that may serve as biomarkers for suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescents. By analyzing these microRNAs, the study aims to uncover molecular pathways associated with suicide risk, which could lead to better prediction and treatment strategies. The approach involves isolating exosomes and examining their miRNA content to find patterns that differentiate adolescents at risk from those who are not. This could ultimately help in developing targeted interventions for at-risk youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and preventing suicidality in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microRNAs as biomarkers for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dwivedi, Yogesh — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dwivedi, Yogesh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Treatment outcomes for Chagas disease in dogs to inform human care
This grant tests whether treating early versus later in infection improves recovery and long-term health in dogs with Chagas disease, with findings intended to help people protected from or living with the disease.
-
Gut bacteria and treatment outcomes in lymphoma
Seeing whether the mix of gut bacteria relates to treatment success and immune responses in people with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma.
-
Suicide risk interventions: comparing how much therapy and brain markers predict outcomes
A study in veterans and active-duty service members compares how different amounts of therapy, plus brain-activity clues, affect future suicide risk.
-
Improving Chagas Disease Treatment
This research explores how quickly treatment for Chagas disease can prevent heart damage and provide lasting protection.
-
Blood markers in teens to detect suicide risk and predict treatment response
Researchers are measuring tiny RNA fragments in blood exosomes to find signals of suicide risk and treatment response in adolescents.
-
Comparing different treatment approaches for preventing suicide in veterans and active duty service members
This study is looking at different types of support to help active duty service members and veterans who are at risk of suicide, comparing a quick one-time therapy session with longer treatments to see which works best for different people.
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.