How cells' scaffolding and gene-control machines work
Structural studies of function and regulation of microtubules and transcriptional gene expression machinery
Researchers are mapping how the cell's internal scaffolding (microtubules) and the machines that control genes function to help people with diseases tied to cell structure and gene regulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team uses cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to take extremely detailed pictures of microtubules and human transcription/epigenetic protein complexes. They pair those images with biochemical and biophysical lab tests to see how changes—such as tubulin mutations, GTP hydrolysis, or acetylation—alter structure and behavior. The work examines how partner proteins regulate microtubule dynamics and how transcriptional complexes are controlled at the molecular level. These combined techniques aim to build a clear, mechanistic picture of how these cellular systems are regulated.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions linked to microtubule dysfunction or gene-regulation defects—such as certain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, or inherited disorders—are the most likely candidates to contribute samples or benefit from future translation of this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell structure or gene regulation, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular mechanisms that lead to new targets for treatments or diagnostics for cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and other disorders linked to microtubule or gene-regulation problems.
How similar studies have performed: Cryo-EM and complementary biochemical/biophysical methods have already produced major breakthroughs in structural biology, and this project applies those proven techniques to regulatory mechanisms and modifications.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nogales, Eva — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Nogales, Eva
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.