NIH-funded research R21 grant

Exploring how histone proteins are modified during cell development

Official title: Advancing an Innovative NGS Approach to Discover and Investigate Histone Tail Proteolysis

Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10791801 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain changes in our cells' DNA can help them become different types of cells, like bone, muscle, or fat cells, and it's developing a new method to find out exactly where these changes happen in the DNA.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project startFebruary 17, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$206,250
NIH project number5R21HG012833-02
Project IDNIH-10791801 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cell differentiation, such as bone disorders or metabolic diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to cell differentiation or those not affected by epigenetic changes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the process of histone H3 N-terminal tail proteolysis, a key epigenomic change that occurs during the differentiation of various cell types. By developing a novel method called ChIPac-Seq, the researchers aim to identify specific locations in the genome where this proteolysis occurs in different cell types, such as osteoblasts, myocytes, and adipocytes. The study will optimize both the technical and computational aspects of this method to facilitate its use in high-throughput applications, ultimately enhancing our understanding of gene regulation during cell differentiation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into gene regulation mechanisms that are crucial for cell development and differentiation.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of ChIPac-Seq is novel, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of epigenetic research.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rice, Judd C — University of Southern California
  • Study coordinator: Rice, Judd C

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.