How cells remove nuclear and chromatin parts using autophagy
Autophagy degradation of nuclear and chromatin constituents
This research looks at whether cells use autophagy to clear pieces of the nucleus and chromatin, which may influence inflammation in chronic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are using laboratory methods to find which nuclear and chromatin proteins are targeted by autophagy. They performed large-scale protein screens and identified candidates such as WSTF, then study how breaking down these proteins changes DNA packaging and turns on inflammatory genes. Experiments use cell-based molecular techniques and model systems to trace how nuclear autophagy affects chronic inflammation. The team aims to link these basic findings to potential ways to reduce harmful inflammation in disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic inflammatory conditions (for example, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease) might be appropriate future candidates to provide samples or join follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients without inflammatory conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to reduce harmful inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have previously identified nuclear autophagy targets like the nuclear lamina and WSTF, but translating those discoveries into patient therapies remains early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dou, Zhixun — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dou, Zhixun
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.