NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating the role of RNA modifications in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Official title: N6-Methyladenosine Methylome in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-10802344 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special change in RNA, called m6A, affects muscle growth and healing in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with the hope of finding new ways to help treat this challenging condition.

More Muscular Dystrophy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Albany
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Albany, United States)
Project startMarch 6, 2023
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$200,383
NIH project number5R21AR080936-02
Project IDNIH-10802344 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are boys aged 0-11 years diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Less likely to help

Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific chemical modification of RNA, known as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), affects the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe muscle degenerative disease primarily affecting boys. By studying the mechanisms of m6A regulation, the researchers aim to uncover how it influences muscle cell development and regeneration in DMD. The approach involves analyzing the levels of m6A marks and the proteins that add or remove these modifications during muscle cell differentiation and in the context of DMD. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for this devastating condition.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies that improve muscle function and quality of life for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on m6A in DMD is relatively novel, similar approaches in epitranscriptomics have shown promise in other diseases, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • State University of New York at Albany
    Albany, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dey, Bijan K — State University of New York at Albany
  • Study coordinator: Dey, Bijan K

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.