Molecule-level recognition by ADAR1 of Z-RNA in human transcriptomes
Official title: Molecular recognition by ADAR1 of Z-RNA within transcriptomes
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11384927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a human enzyme reads unusual RNA shapes to help the body distinguish itself from infections, with potential implications for autoimmune and neurological diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $288,878 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM150642-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome or related autoimmune/neurological conditions may benefit from advances in understanding RNA editing mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not guaranteed during basic mechanistic research and will depend on future translational steps.
What this research studies
This project explores how ADAR1 binds to Z-RNA structures in our RNA and how this affects RNA editing. It will map where Z-RNA forms across transcripts and determine how the Zα domain influences editing, using molecular and cellular approaches. The findings could reveal new pathways involved in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and related autoimmune conditions. Results may illuminate mechanisms linking RNA structure to neurological disease, potentially guiding future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding Z-RNA and ADAR1 interactions could lead to new ideas for treating autoimmune and neurological diseases linked to RNA editing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked ADAR1 and RNA editing to disease, but the exact role of Z-RNA and Zα in human transcriptomes remains to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vicens, Quentin — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Vicens, Quentin
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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.