How condensin controls gene activity and chromosome structure
The gene regulatory functions of condensin
Researchers are learning how a protein machine called condensin folds chromosomes to turn genes up or down, which could help people with some cancers and developmental brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290779 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses the tiny worm C. elegans to reveal how condensin changes chromosome folding and gene activity, focusing on how it regulates the X chromosome. The team examines effects on histone marks, chromatin looping, compaction, and nuclear organization to understand how genes are repressed. Experiments combine genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to connect condensin’s molecular actions to changes in gene expression. Results are intended to help explain how condensin mutations contribute to human diseases such as certain cancers and microcephaly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients; however, people with cancers or genetic conditions tied to condensin mutations could be those who ultimately benefit from the findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to condensin biology are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular points to target for diagnostics or treatments for cancers and developmental disorders linked to condensin dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has well established condensin’s role in mitosis, and using C. elegans dosage compensation to probe condensin’s interphase gene-regulatory roles is a newer but plausible approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Csankovszki, Gyorgyi — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Csankovszki, Gyorgyi
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.