Leukocyte RNA biomarkers to help diagnose and monitor dystonia
Official title: The Leukocyte RNA Biomarkers in Dystonia
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11440474 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will look for RNA signatures in blood that could help diagnose and track dystonia in people who have the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS151796-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440474 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with dystonia or related movement disorders who may participate in RNA biomarker analysis and comparison with healthy controls.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly benefit patients who do not have dystonia or who do not provide usable samples.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze RNA and miRNA patterns in blood samples from people with dystonia and healthy controls to identify a biomarker signature. Using previously collected samples, they will sequence leukocyte RNA from about 100 dystonia patients and compare it with controls to find differences linked to disease features. The goal is to develop a minimally invasive tool that could aid in diagnosis, patient stratification, and monitoring of dystonia over time. This work could pave the way for future tests that complement clinical assessment and improve care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may get a blood-based biomarker test to help diagnose and monitor dystonia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that RNA biomarkers can distinguish disease states in some movement disorders, but validation in dystonia is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Jianfeng — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Jianfeng
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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.