How nuclear actin affects aging and gene expression
Official title: When actin's not actin like actin: Nuclear actin impacts transcription and aging
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11057582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called nuclear actin affects cell health as we age, using tiny worms to learn more about its role in repairing DNA and controlling genes, which could help us understand age-related diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $433,019 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079806-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related health issues or diseases linked to cellular dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute, non-age-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nuclear actin in cellular health, particularly its impact on aging and gene expression. By using the model organism C. elegans, the study aims to develop new methods to visualize and analyze nuclear actin's function during stress and aging. The researchers will explore how nuclear actin contributes to DNA repair and transcriptional regulation, addressing a significant gap in current scientific understanding. This innovative approach seeks to provide insights into the cellular mechanisms that underlie age-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving cellular health and potentially mitigating age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of nuclear actin is a relatively novel area, preliminary research in related fields suggests potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Higuchi-Sanabria, Ryo — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Higuchi-Sanabria, Ryo
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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.