RNAMODDx is a translational research project focused on bringing promising RNA-based biomarkers closer to clinical application.

Changes in RNA can provide valuable information about biological processes associated with disease. While research in this field is advancing rapidly, translating these discoveries into diagnostic approaches that can ultimately be used in clinical settings remains a major challenge.

RNAMODDx aims to bridge this gap by developing practical and scalable approaches for RNA biomarker analysis and evaluating their potential in clinically relevant samples.

Early and reliable disease assessment can have a major impact on patients and healthcare systems. Yet many promising biomarkers identified in research never reach clinical practice.

One important reason is the gap between biomarker discovery and real-world application. A potential biomarker must not only show biological relevance but also be measurable reliably, work in accessible patient samples, and be suitable for implementation beyond highly specialized research environments.

RNAMODDx addresses these translational challenges from the beginning.

RNAMODDx combines biomarker research, technology development, and clinical validation within one translational framework.

Building on previous research findings, the project works to transform promising RNA signatures into approaches that are easier to apply, reproduce, and scale. An important part of this process is evaluating whether molecular changes identified through research can also be detected reliably in patient-derived samples.

By connecting laboratory research with clinical validation, RNAMODDx aims to establish a pathway from molecular discovery toward future diagnostic application.

Alzheimer’s disease represents an important first clinical use case for RNAMODDx.

Our previous research has identified changes in RNA regulation associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease. RNAMODDx builds on these findings and investigates their translational potential using accessible patient-derived samples.

The ambition of RNAMODDx goes beyond the identification of new biomarkers. The project focuses on the critical next step: turning promising scientific discoveries into approaches with real translational potential.

By bringing together biological understanding, technology development, and clinical validation, RNAMODDx aims to establish a foundation for RNA-based diagnostic solutions that can ultimately become more accessible, scalable, and suitable for clinical use.

The project therefore contributes not only to advancing biomarker research in neurodegenerative diseases, but also to exploring how emerging RNA-based discoveries can be translated more effectively from the laboratory toward healthcare applications.

RNAMODDx brings together expertise in RNA biology, pharmacology, clinical research, technology development, and translational diagnostics. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Kristina Friedland (Principal Investigator), with Lukas Walz as Scientific Lead, at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

Project period: 2026–2028

RNAMODDx is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF/EFRE) and the State of Rhineland-Palatinate.

As RNAMODDx progresses, this section will be regularly updated with key project developments, milestones, and activities.