# Therapeutic Targeting of an lncRNA in Experimental Stroke Using STAIR Criteria

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2020 · $374,108

## Abstract

Mammalian genome encodes tens of thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) which are
emerging as important regulators of transcription and translation. Any perturbation in the levels
and function of lncRNAs can be expected to promote pathological changes. We recently showed
that transient focal cerebral ischemia (stroke) in adult rodents rapidly changes the cerebral
expression profiles of lncRNAs. We further show that post-ischemic brain damage and
neurological dysfunction can be mitigated significantly by inhibiting an lncRNA called FosDT that
was observed to be induced after stroke. Due to their functional importance as epigenetic
modulators of transcription, lncRNAs has a tremendous potential to be developed as stroke
therapies. Hence, we currently propose testing the efficacy of inhibiting FosDT in rodent stroke
models. We hypothesize that “FosDT is a novel therapeutic target to protect brain after
stroke.” This is the first study to our knowledge to comprehensively test the significance of an
lncRNA in protecting the brain after stroke. Recent guidelines suggest that stroke therapeutic
development should follow the criteria suggested by the STAIR (Stroke Treatment Academic
Industry Roundtable) consortium. Hence, we will incorporate many of those recommendations in
the present FosDT therapeutic testing. Aim 1 is to test the dose and window of opportunity after
stroke for FosDT therapy as a function of sex and age. Aim 2 is to test post-stroke FosDT therapy
as a function of type of ischemia, route of administration, and systemic toxicity. Aim 3 will evaluate
the efficacy of post-ischemic FosDT therapy as a function of species and diabetes (a comorbid
condition) and to identify if this therapy influences the post-ischemic pathophysiologic
mechanisms. Aim 4 will evaluate the mechanisms that are upstream and downstream of FosDT
in ischemic brain. Overall, this is the first systematic study to test the therapeutic potential of
targeting an lncRNA to protect brain after stroke.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9851955
- **Project number:** 5R01NS099531-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Raghu VEMUGANTI
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $374,108
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-03-01 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9851955

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9851955, Therapeutic Targeting of an lncRNA in Experimental Stroke Using STAIR Criteria (5R01NS099531-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9851955. Licensed CC0.

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