Understanding how circular RNAs are formed in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Mechanisms underlying circular RNA biogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease related genes
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10817879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain types of RNA are formed in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, which could help us understand why brain connections break down and how we might find new ways to treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,825 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG082032-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the formation of circular RNAs in the context of Alzheimer's disease, a condition that leads to severe cognitive decline. By isolating synapses and using advanced RNA sequencing techniques, the study aims to uncover how changes in RNA expression contribute to synapse loss and the progression of Alzheimer's. The focus is particularly on the role of specific circular RNAs and their relationship with tau protein aggregation, which is a hallmark of the disease. This work could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease by targeting the mechanisms of RNA biogenesis.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of circular RNAs in Alzheimer's is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding RNA dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdmanis, Paul Nils — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Valdmanis, Paul Nils
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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.