# Epitranscriptomic mechanisms of fear-related learning and memory

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2020 · $374,555

## Abstract

   
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): RNA modification, and N6 methyladenosine (m6A) in particular, is a newly discovered epigenetic mechanism in the adult brain that is has recently been shown to be highly dynamic and, as indicated by our preliminary evidence, appears to be involved in fear-related learning and memory. The overarching goal of this research program is to establish, for the first time, a causal relationship between the epitranscriptomic regulation of
gene expression and the formation and maintenance of memory in a preclinical model of fear-related anxiety disorder. We can then capitalize on this information to design better treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by impairments in cognitive function. Successful completion of these experiments also has the potential to dramatically change the way we think about mechanisms of adaptive plasticity by shedding new light on how the qualitative nature of RNA, rather than its overall abundance, is involved in a key learning process with implications for our understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by abnormally intense memories. This will be achieved through a potent combination of advance high-throughput sequencing approaches, robust behavioral paradigms and viral-mediated manipulation of gene activity in the adult brain.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9858436
- **Project number:** 5R01MH109588-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Robert C Spitale
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $374,555
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-04-15 → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9858436

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9858436, Epitranscriptomic mechanisms of fear-related learning and memory (5R01MH109588-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9858436. Licensed CC0.

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