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Decoding the Muscle Epitranscriptome: Deep Learning Detection of RNA Modifications in Aging Muscle

Award Number: R21AG098189
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2029

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Decoding the Muscle Epitranscriptome: Deep Learning Detection of RNA Modifications in Aging Muscle - ABSTRACT RNA modifications represent a critical but poorly understood mechanism regulating protein production in aging muscle tissue. This proposal develops innovative computational and experimental approaches to map and understand how chemical modifications of RNA molecules change during muscle aging. Using a combination of cutting-edge nanopore sequencing technology and artificial intelligence, we will create new methods to precisely detect RNA modifications, particularly 5-methylcytosine (m5C), in muscle tissue. We will then apply these methods to examine how modification patterns differ between fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers across age and sex, while determining their impact on protein synthesis. The project introduces novel synthetic RNA training strategies for improved modification detection while integrating chemical biology, machine learning, and muscle physiology. This work will establish new paradigms for studying RNA modifications in aging tissues while revealing fundamental mechanisms of muscle aging. The findings will identify potential RNA-based therapeutic targets for age-related muscle loss while providing valuable resources for the broader aging research community.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $616,000 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, THE	500 S LIMESTONE	LEXINGTON	KY	40526	FAYETTE	USA	Aging Research	000	1	1/21/2026	NEW	$616,000
														Subtotal = $616,000

Grand Total All Awards = $616,000

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Decoding the Muscle Epitranscriptome: Deep Learning Detection of RNA Modifications in Aging Muscle

Award Number: R21AG098189

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2029

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