Award
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5F31NS143348-02
Investigating the RNA-Regulatory Activities of the RNA Exosome during Human Motor Neuron Differentiation
Recipient
University of Southern California
Award Amount
$46,168.00
Ceiling
$46,168.00
Awarded
June 30, 2026
Identifier
5F31NS143348-02
Research project funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to investigate how mutations in RNA exosome subunits affect human motor neuron differentiation and contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Description
This project aims to study the impact of pathogenic mutations in EXOSC3 and EXOSC4 genes on human motor neuron differentiation using CRISPR-engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The hypothesis is that these mutations alter RNA exosome function during motor neuron development, leading to pathogenic RNA accumulation and spinal motor neuropathy. The research will provide insights into the mechanisms of RNA-mediated motor neuropathy.