Investigating the role of specific RNA molecules in brain changes related to depression
Official title: Novel cell type-specific epigenetic role of nuclear lncRNAs in 3D heterochromatization and transcriptional repatterning in the MDD brain
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11251464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain molecules in our genes might affect the brain's structure and function in people with depression, hoping to find new ways to help treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $729,821 |
| NIH project number | 1R56MH138596-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other mental health disorders or those not diagnosed with major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence the brain's structure and function in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). By examining the interactions between genes and environmental factors, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which lncRNAs contribute to the development of MDD. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze chromatin structure and gene expression in brain cells, focusing on how these processes may be altered in depression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these molecular pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that better address the underlying causes of major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of lncRNAs in brain function is a growing area of interest, this specific approach to understanding their impact on MDD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dwivedi, Yogesh — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dwivedi, Yogesh
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.