Computational study of RNA polymerase II elongation dynamics in autism-related biology
Official title: Computational Modeling of RNA Polymerase II Elongation Complex Dynamics
Funded at University of California, Merced · NIH-11329394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A computer-based study will model how RNA polymerase II behaves during gene reading to understand mechanisms that may relate to autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, Merced NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Merced, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,910 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM163973-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11329394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a clinical trial; not a direct patient population.
✕Less likely to help
No immediate patient interventions are expected from this grant.
What this research studies
Researchers will use molecular dynamics simulations to explore how RNA polymerase II and its elongation partners move and regulate transcription. The project connects computer models with experimental data to reveal how elongation factors influence transcription processivity. By focusing on the elongation stage, the study aims to illuminate basic molecular processes that could be relevant to neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could deepen our understanding of gene regulation in autism and guide future experiments or therapies targeting transcription dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: Computational models of transcription have provided valuable insights, but direct links to autism-specific mechanisms remain exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, Merced
Merced, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dutagaci, Bercem — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Dutagaci, Bercem
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.