Investigating RNA fragments as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease
Official title: tRNA-derived RNA Fragments (tRF) as Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11042771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny pieces of RNA in the blood that might help us understand Alzheimer's disease better, by seeing if they can tell us how severe the disease is and help distinguish between Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AG075725-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other unrelated neurological conditions or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs), which are small non-coding RNAs that may serve as important biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aims to analyze the levels of these tRFs in serum samples to determine their correlation with the severity of AD and differentiate between AD patients and healthy individuals or those with other types of dementia. By employing a combination of unbiased discovery methods and advanced quantification techniques, the researchers will assess the clinical reliability of these biomarkers. The research will progress through two phases, initially establishing the presence of tRFs in patients and later investigating their potential to identify early stages of cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a reliable blood test for early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using RNA biomarkers for various diseases, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bao, Xiaoyong — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Bao, Xiaoyong
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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.