RNA chemical changes linked to tau in Alzheimer's brain
Epitranscriptomic Mechanism in pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
This project looks at whether chemical tags on RNA in brain cells help cause the tau clumps that damage brains in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248429 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine human Alzheimer's brain tissue and lab models to see how patterns of RNA methylation change where tau proteins aggregate. They will measure RNA chemical tags, protein synthesis, and signs of neuron stress in post-mortem samples and in cell and 3‑D model systems. The team will test whether increased cytoplasmic RNA methylation coincides with stalled protein production and neuronal toxicity tied to tau. Results will be used to identify molecular steps that might be targeted to prevent or slow neuron loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and families willing to donate brain tissue or join related biomarker studies, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive decline is caused by non‑Alzheimer conditions or by disease mechanisms unrelated to tau or RNA modifications may not receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to slow or stop tau-driven brain cell damage and guide the development of disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have reported disrupted RNA metabolism and reduced protein synthesis in Alzheimer's brains, but directly linking RNA methylation to tau toxicity is a newer and less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Lulu — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Lulu
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 below.