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-11167302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called nuclear actin affects aging and how our genes work, using tiny worms to see how it helps with DNA repair and cell health when they face stress or get older.
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) | $160,741 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG079806-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related conditions or diseases.
✕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 processes related to aging and gene expression. By developing new methods to visualize and study nuclear actin, the project aims to understand its impact on DNA repair and transcription regulation in the model organism C. elegans. The researchers will explore how changes in nuclear actin function during stress and aging can influence cellular health. This innovative approach seeks to fill a significant gap in our understanding of actin's role beyond the cytoplasm.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into aging and age-related diseases, potentially informing therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of nuclear actin is a relatively new field, preliminary research suggests that understanding its role could lead to significant advancements in aging research.
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.