How a gene-regulating complex helps make healthy red blood cells
Elucidating the Role of Integrator Complex in Erythropoiesis
This work looks at how a cellular machine called the Integrator Complex controls production of red blood cells, which could help adults with anemia or other blood disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear about research that studies how developing red blood cells turn on the right genes and turn off the wrong ones as they mature. The team is focusing on the Integrator Complex and its role in directing the cell’s gene-making machinery to prioritize red blood cell genes like hemoglobin. They use laboratory studies of human and model cells to watch how RNA polymerase II and Integrator behave during red blood cell formation. Findings could point to molecular steps that might be targeted to improve red blood cell production.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with anemia or other red blood cell disorders who are willing to donate blood or bone marrow samples or participate in related biospecimen studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Children, people without red blood cell problems, or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to boost production of healthy red blood cells and lead to better treatments for anemia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows that controlling RNA polymerase II affects red blood cell genes, but applying Integrator-focused approaches to erythropoiesis is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steiner, Laurie a. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Steiner, Laurie a.
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 below.