How DNA is packaged in our cells
Physical Chemistry of Nucleic Acids
This research explores how the way our DNA is organized inside cells affects how our genes work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195008 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells carefully package long strands of DNA into structures called nucleosomes, which act like barriers to gene activity. This project aims to understand how these barriers are controlled by factors inside and outside the cell, influencing which genes are turned on or off. Researchers use advanced tools like optical tweezers and special microscopes to watch these processes at a tiny scale. They are looking at how different forms of nucleosomes and specific proteins change how easily our genes can be accessed and used.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This basic science research does not involve direct patient participation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This foundational knowledge could help us better understand how gene activity is regulated, which is key to developing future treatments for many diseases linked to gene dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has already characterized some aspects of how DNA packaging affects gene activity, and this project builds upon those findings.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bustamante, Carlos Jose — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Bustamante, Carlos Jose
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.