Understanding how circular RNAs and proteins affect Alzheimer's disease
Circular RNAs and their interactions with RNA-binding proteins to modulate AD-related neuropathology
This work explores how special genetic instructions called circular RNAs and the proteins they interact with contribute to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have many types of genetic instructions, including newly discovered circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are especially common in brain cells. We are looking into how these circRNAs interact with certain proteins, called RNA binding proteins (RBPs), to understand their role in Alzheimer's disease. We believe that problems with this circRNA-RBP network could lead to brain cell damage and neurodegeneration. By uncovering these connections, we hope to find new ways that Alzheimer's disease develops.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not receive benefit from this basic science investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to new targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: The role of circular RNAs in neurodegeneration is a relatively new and actively explored area, with some early findings suggesting their importance.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Xiaoling — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Xiaoling
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.