Understanding how ADAR1 protein interacts with Z-RNA in cells
Official title: Molecular recognition by ADAR1 of Z-RNA within transcriptomes
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10935993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called ADAR1 interacts with a special type of RNA called Z-RNA, which could help us understand more about RNA editing and its connection to diseases like Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, ultimately aiming to shed light on how our bodies recognize their own RNA versus foreign RNA in conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $288,878 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM150642-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases, particularly those related to RNA misediting, such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA editing or those not affected by autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the ADAR1 protein in editing RNA molecules, specifically focusing on its interaction with a unique RNA structure known as Z-RNA. By examining how Z-RNA forms and its prevalence in various RNA sequences, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind RNA editing and its implications for diseases like Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to characterize the binding of ADAR1 to Z-RNA and explore its biological significance in cellular processes. This work could provide insights into how cells differentiate between their own RNA and foreign RNA, which is crucial for understanding autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating autoimmune diseases and certain cancers by targeting RNA editing processes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on Z-RNA and ADAR1 is relatively novel, previous research has shown that RNA editing plays a significant role in various diseases, indicating potential for impactful findings.
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.