Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) awarded The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York a Project Grant of $126,900 under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853) on March 7, 2026, with completion targeted for February 29, 2028. This research project investigates RNA biogenesis mechanisms, specifically alternative splicing programs, to accelerate neuronal maturation in laboratory-derived human neurons and develop novel disease models for age-related tauopathies. The research addresses a critical gap in stem-cell-based research, wherein current protocols fail to generate fully mature neurons suitable for studying neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

The project delivers scientific research outputs through two primary research aims focused on activating adult alternative splicing programs in human motor and cortical neurons via overexpression of master splicing factors. Columbia University researchers will evaluate transcriptomic changes using bulk and single-cell analysis approaches, assess physiological maturation markers, and utilize findings to construct a novel in vitro model for studying age-related neurological disease. These research deliverables support NINDS's mission to advance fundamental understanding of nervous system function and reduce the burden of neurological disease through translational and mechanistic investigations conducted at Columbia University's Health Sciences Division in New York, New York.