Exploring how certain chemicals modify histones to regulate gene activity in the brain
Official title: Development of a Chemical Biology Toolbox to Investigate Histone Monoaminylation
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11083098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new chemical change in brain proteins, influenced by important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, affects how genes work, which could help us understand brain health and development better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150676-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may be affected by conditions related to neurotransmitter imbalances or epigenetic regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurotransmitter function or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of histone monoaminylation, a newly identified chemical modification of histones, in regulating gene expression in the brain. By using advanced chemical biology techniques, the study aims to understand how enzymes modify histones with serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for neuronal function. The research focuses on identifying the mechanisms by which these modifications are added, removed, and recognized by other proteins, which could have implications for understanding brain development and function in adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the regulation of gene expression in the brain, potentially impacting treatments for neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on histone monoaminylation is novel, similar research on histone modifications has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Qingfei — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Qingfei
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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.