How histone variants evolved to shape DNA regulation in yeast and fruit flies
Official title: Functional consequences of evolutionary innovation in histone repertoires
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-11583800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists study how changes in histone proteins, the helpers that package DNA, affect how cells control genes and DNA repair in yeast and fruit flies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00GM149928-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11583800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable as this is basic science in model organisms (yeast and fruit flies).
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient benefit at this stage.
What this research studies
This project explores how different versions of histone H2A emerge and how they change chromatin and DNA processes in eukaryotes. By comparing yeast and Drosophila, the team will link evolutionary changes in histone repertoires to effects on DNA damage response and gene regulation. The work includes analyzing how histone variants like H2A.X and H2A.Z, and their fusion forms, alter chromatin at specific genomic regions. Findings could reveal why certain histone changes are advantageous and how they influence genome stability and expression. The ultimate aim is to understand fundamental biology that could inform broader studies of genome regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how chromatin controls DNA processes could inform future therapies targeting genome stability and gene expression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that histone variants influence DNA damage response and gene regulation, supporting the relevance of studying these evolutionary changes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raman, Pravrutha — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Raman, Pravrutha
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.