How certain proteins influence cell behavior and development
Official title: Mechanisms for DNA Recognition, Scanning and Nucleosome Mechanical Actions by Pioneer Transcription Factors and their Role in Cell Fate Decisions
Funded at University of California, Merced · NIH-11066326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins called pioneer transcription factors help decide what type of cells we become during development and how they might play a role in diseases like cancer, focusing on a specific protein in a common fungus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, Merced NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Merced, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $27,116 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM152623-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cell fate dysregulation, such as certain cancers or those requiring regenerative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not involve cell fate changes or those not affected by cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pioneer transcription factors (PTFs) control cell fate decisions during development and disease. By examining the mechanisms through which PTFs recognize and bind to DNA, both in its free form and when wrapped around nucleosomes, the study aims to uncover how these proteins initiate gene expression programs. The research employs high-resolution biophysical analysis to explore the dynamics of PTFs, particularly focusing on the Wor1 protein in Candida albicans, which is crucial for understanding cellular reprogramming and cancer development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment by manipulating cell fate decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of transcription factors in cell fate decisions, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, Merced
Merced, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munoz, Victor — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Munoz, Victor
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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.