RNA chemical tags in brain immune cells and Alzheimer's disease
Role of m6A RNA Modifications in Microglial Dysfunction and Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis
Researchers want to find out if tiny chemical tags on RNA in brain immune cells change how those cells behave in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224230 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map specific RNA chemical tags called m6A in microglia, the brain's immune cells, to see how those tags affect cell behavior in Alzheimer's. The team will compare tagged RNAs from affected brains and experimental models to identify changes linked to inflammation and amyloid buildup. They will test how altering these RNA tags changes microglial responses that are important for clearing harmful proteins and maintaining brain health. The goal is to point to molecular steps that could be targeted by future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, or older adults willing to provide samples or consider future clinical trials, would be most relevant for this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief or an approved treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory-focused research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to reduce brain inflammation and improve removal of Alzheimer-related protein buildup, guiding future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory studies show m6A RNA tags affect brain cell function, but applying this approach specifically to microglia in Alzheimer's is relatively new and not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roussos, Panagiotis — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Roussos, Panagiotis
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.