Investigating how heme affects RNA oxidation in neurodegenerative diseases

The role of heme in the oxidative modification of mRNA

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11165803

This study is looking at how a molecule called heme affects the way certain messages in our cells, known as mRNA, can change when our cells produce energy, and it hopes to uncover how these changes might be linked to brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11165803 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the role of heme in the oxidative modification of mRNA, particularly focusing on how reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during cellular respiration can selectively modify certain mRNAs. By utilizing innovative techniques such as Heme-seq and 8-OHG-seq, the study aims to map heme-binding sites and understand the implications of RNA oxidation in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The findings could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying altered gene expression in these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without any cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the mechanisms of RNA oxidation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding RNA oxidation in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer's disease patient
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.