Applications / Neuroscience
What can RNA modification reveal about biological response?
Add an RNA modification measurement to a neuroscience study. Start with the biological comparison, timepoints, and sample-handling plan, then assess whether ModQuant™ PCR m⁶A fits the available mRNA.
RNA modification research in depression.
Lilac’s submitted Phase I proposal focuses on major depressive disorder (MDD). It asks whether low-input RNA modification measurements can support psychiatric biomarker research and future multi-modification studies.
Establish analytical feasibility
The proposed work evaluates m⁶A measurement in low-volume blood-equivalent inputs, with mass spectrometry as an independent reference and assessment across assay days and operators.
Explore depression-associated signals
A proposed MDD and matched-control specimen study would compare m⁶A measurements and explore whether combining modification and RNA-expression data adds useful biological information.
Extend beyond m⁶A
The proposal includes analytical qualification of m¹A and pseudouridine assays before cohort evaluation. These assays and a future depression-focused panel remain development directions.
This is a submitted grant proposal, not an award announcement or completed validation study. A depression diagnostic, direct fingerstick workflow, and multi-modification panel are not currently available products.
Questions to bring to the bench.
Pain & neuromodulation
Investigate whether RNA modification measurements vary with baseline and post-intervention research timepoints. Interpret the molecular readout alongside the study’s other measures.
Longitudinal research
Plan paired sample comparisons with consistent collection, extraction, and storage. Account for variability in sample composition across timepoints.
Neural cells & organoids
Explore global m⁶A across model conditions where prepared mRNA meets the assay input requirements. Qualify low-input samples before scaling.
Where ModQuant™ fits.
Prepared mRNA from qualified blood-derived research material, tissue, cultured neural cells, or organoids.
Define paired timepoints, comparators, extraction, and collection handling. Confirm sufficient mRNA and appropriate controls.
ModQuant is not a validated depression or pain test, diagnostic assay, or clinical endpoint. Research findings require study-specific validation.
Depression is a proposed NIH SBIR research direction. Lilac’s public Soin Neuroscience collaboration provides separate context for pain and neuromodulation research.
Plan your study
Discuss your sample preparation, controls, and assay fit with a Lilac scientist.