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Name of Submitter:
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Adron Harris
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Title of proposed idea:
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Non-coding RNA and brain function
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What is the major obstacle/challenge in the biomedical research field? What is needed to overcome this obstacle/challenge?
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98% of human RNA is classified as non-coding, about half of all species of ncRNAs are found in brain, yet we know almost nothing about their function in the healthy or diseased brain. The first barrier is knowing which ncRNAs are found in specific brain regions and cell types. Which neuronal forms are localized in the synapse? How similar are human and rodent brain ncRNAs? Are they changes in psychiatric diseases? |
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What emerging scientific opportunity is ripe for investment by the Common Fund?
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High throughput sequencing of RNA (RNAseq) allows detection and measurement of all ncRNA and this information can be used to fabricate ncRNA microarrays for quantitation.
Promoting use of the tools in a coordinated fashion by brain researchers interested in different aspects of brain function could greatly accelerate discovery. |
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What are the potential Common Fund investments that could accelerate scientific progress in this field?
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Coordination of research and informatics could be a low cost entry point. Increased vailability of ncRNA microarray tools might be a goal. A critical mass of molecular neurobiologists working and a coordinated fashion would be ideal. Perhaps a UO1 mechanism> |
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If a Common Fund program on this topic achieved its objectives, what would be the impact?
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Study of coding RNAs has had a huge impact in neuroscience. Presumably, ncRNAs will be much greater! |
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