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-11100723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called ADAR1 interacts with special RNA shapes called Z-RNA, which could help us understand how changes in RNA might play a role in diseases like Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, potentially offering new insights for patients.
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) | $20,474 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM150642-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological disorders, particularly those affected by Aicardi-Goutières syndrome or other autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA editing or those not experiencing neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the ADAR1 protein in recognizing Z-RNA structures within cellular RNA. It aims to understand how Z-RNA is formed, its prevalence in different RNA sequences, and how ADAR1 binds to these structures. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover the implications of RNA editing in diseases, particularly neurological disorders like Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Patients may benefit from insights into how misediting of RNA contributes to disease processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurological diseases linked to RNA misediting.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on Z-RNA and ADAR1 is relatively novel, previous research has shown that understanding RNA editing mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treating related diseases.
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.