NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how RNA modifications affect Alzheimer's disease progression

Official title: Epitranscriptomic Mechanism in pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11053764 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changes in RNA might affect the buildup of tau protein in the brain, which is connected to Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat or slow down the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2025
Project endNovember 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$745,092
NIH project number1R01AG091577-01
Project IDNIH-11053764 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline associated with tau protein aggregation.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cognitive impairment not yet diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of RNA modifications in the development of Alzheimer's disease, particularly focusing on how these modifications relate to the aggregation of tau protein, which is linked to cognitive decline. By analyzing post-mortem brain samples and utilizing advanced molecular techniques, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms through which tau aggregation leads to neuronal toxicity and dysfunction. The goal is to identify potential new strategies for treating or modifying the course of Alzheimer's disease based on these findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that slow down or alter the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of RNA modifications in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Jiang, Lulu — University of Virginia
  • Study coordinator: Jiang, Lulu

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.