Developing new tools to study the 3D structure of genetic material in cells
Official title: New Proximity Labeling Tools for Studying 3D Chromatin Structure and Function
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11036291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how the DNA in our cells is arranged in 3D space, which is important for how our genes work, and it's developing new tools to help scientists watch these DNA structures in action without disturbing the cells, aiming to better understand gene regulation and its links to diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $82,744 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM149123-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic disorders or cancers that may be linked to chromatin misregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to chromatin structure or gene regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how genetic material is organized in three-dimensional space within cells, which is crucial for proper gene expression and maintaining the genome. It aims to create advanced molecular tools that allow scientists to observe and analyze the interactions and dynamics of chromatin fibers in real-time without disrupting cellular functions. By using a novel optogenetic approach, the study will enable precise labeling of proteins involved in chromatin structure, helping to uncover the mechanisms behind gene regulation and potential misregulation linked to diseases like cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding genetic regulation and the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer and other genetic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using advanced molecular tools to study chromatin dynamics, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tay, Nicholas Eng Soon — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Tay, Nicholas Eng Soon
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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.