How master 'pioneer' proteins read DNA and shape cell identity
Mechanisms for DNA Recognition, Scanning and Nucleosome Mechanical Actions by Pioneer Transcription Factors and their Role in Cell Fate Decisions
This project looks at how special 'pioneer' proteins read DNA inside cells to guide development and how those processes relate to cancer and regenerative medicine.
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 ID | NIH-11474543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-resolution biophysical lab experiments to see how pioneer transcription factors recognize DNA both when it is free and when it is wrapped in nucleosomes. They will focus on two model proteins, Engrailed and Wor1, to map how these factors bind clusters of imperfect DNA motifs and how that binding can mechanically open chromatin. The team will combine molecular measurements and physical analyses to trace the step-by-step mechanics of binding and nucleosome unwrapping. Results are intended to clarify how cell identities are established in development and how misregulation can contribute to cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The project is lab-based and does not recruit patients, but it is most relevant to people with cancers linked to gene-regulation errors or to those who would consider donating tissue for basic research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment improvements or those with conditions unrelated to gene regulation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help scientists develop better regenerative therapies and improve understanding of cancers caused by faulty gene regulation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows pioneer factors can bind chromatin and affect cell fate, but the precise mechanical steps remain unclear and this project applies new high-resolution approaches to fill that gap.
Where this research is happening
Merced, United States
- University of California, Merced — Merced, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munoz, Victor — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Munoz, Victor
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.