NIH-funded research R15 grant

Investigating how RNA affects coenzyme activity

Official title: RNA-coupled Coenzymes

Funded at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee · NIH-10359222 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special molecule called RNA can change the way another important molecule, NAD, works in our bodies, which could help us understand more about how our metabolism functions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin Milwaukee
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2021
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2021
Award (this year)$442,896
NIH project number1R15GM144859-01
Project IDNIH-10359222 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with metabolic disorders such as diabetes or fatty liver disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolic regulation or those not affected by NAD-related pathways may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a crucial coenzyme involved in biological reactions, particularly how RNA influences its activity. The study hypothesizes that the RNA component can modulate the function of NAD-utilizing enzymes, potentially affecting the rates of biochemical reactions. By comparing the effectiveness of various enzymes using different forms of NAD-capped RNA, the research aims to uncover new insights into the interaction between RNA and coenzymes. This could lead to a better understanding of metabolic processes and their regulation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of metabolic regulation and lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions like diabetes and liver diseases.

How similar studies have gone: While the role of NAD in metabolism is well-established, the specific interaction between RNA and coenzyme activity is a novel area of investigation with limited prior research.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
    Milwaukee, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Frick, David N — University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
  • Study coordinator: Frick, David N

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.