Investigating how heme affects RNA oxidation in neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: The role of heme in the oxidative modification of mRNA
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11165803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 26, 2025 |
| Project end | March 25, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS139612-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those without any cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oleynikov, Maxim — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Oleynikov, Maxim
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.