How cells pass on their identity and adapt to changes
Heterochromatin dynamics during inheritance and adaptation
This project explores how cells maintain their unique characteristics and adjust to new environments, which is important for understanding diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of many different types of cells, each with a specific job, and they need to keep their identity as they divide. This project looks at how cells remember their identity through special marks on their DNA, called histone modifications, and how they can also change these marks to adapt to new situations. We are particularly interested in a process called H3K9 methylation, which helps silence certain genes and is crucial for keeping our genetic material stable. By studying these fundamental processes, we hope to learn how cells manage to stay the same while also being flexible, especially when facing challenges like those seen in cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals with cancers in the future by uncovering basic disease mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Successfully understanding these basic cellular mechanisms could lead to new ways to prevent or treat cancers by targeting how cells maintain their identity and adapt.
How similar studies have performed: This project addresses significant gaps in our current understanding of how heterochromatin works, suggesting a novel approach to fundamental biological questions.
Where this research is happening
Waltham, United States
- Brandeis University — Waltham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ragunathan, Kaushik — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Ragunathan, Kaushik
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.