How cells remember their identity during cell division
Official title: The role of cis-regulatory elements in the inheritance of transcriptional memory through mitosis.
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10895965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells keep their unique roles when they divide, focusing on certain DNA parts that help control how genes work, which could help us understand important processes in early development and how cells decide what they will become.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM151857-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cell identity and differentiation, such as certain cancers or developmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular transcriptional memory or identity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells maintain their identity through cell division by focusing on specific DNA elements that regulate gene expression. It aims to understand the role of cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors in preserving transcriptional programs during mitosis. By examining how these elements interact with gene promoters and enhancers, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that allow cells to re-establish their functions after division. This work could provide insights into early development and how cells make fate decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advancements in understanding developmental processes and diseases related to cell identity and differentiation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding transcriptional processes during mitosis, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oprescu, Stephanie Nicole — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Oprescu, Stephanie Nicole
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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.