Investigating tRNA diversity in single cells to understand neurodegenerative diseases
Official title: Developing single nuclei tRNA-seq to profile tRNA diversity at the single cell level
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10995456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules called transfer RNAs (tRNAs) behave in brain cells, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's, to find new ways to help treat these diseases and possibly others like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $442,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS139431-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute conditions unrelated to neurodegeneration or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's or similar diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to analyze transfer RNA (tRNA) diversity at the single-cell level, particularly in neurons derived from stem cells and cerebral organoids. By examining how tRNA processing and modifications differ in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, the study aims to uncover critical insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies. The approach involves optimizing a novel sequencing technology to profile tRNA patterns, which could enhance our understanding of cellular functions in both healthy and diseased states. This research not only targets neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration but also has potential applications in cancer biology and other fields.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, improving outcomes for patients with conditions like Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of profiling tRNA at the single-cell level is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using bulk tRNA sequencing to understand disease mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaffer, Ashleigh E — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Schaffer, Ashleigh E
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.