How nucleosome shape and arrangement affect chromatin regulators
Official title: Biophysical Determinants of the Nucleosome as an Activity Center for Chromatin Regulators
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11365070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A funded project at a top research institution will explore how the physical features of nucleosomes influence chromatin regulators, with findings that could illuminate how gene activity is controlled in human cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $339,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM149862-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals whose conditions involve dysregulated chromatin regulation or gene expression, such as certain cancer or developmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
People without conditions linked to chromatin regulation may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project will use advanced single-molecule fluorescence and force-based tools to watch how nucleosome shape, size, and spacing change the way chromatin regulators work in real time. By examining topological features of nucleosomes, researchers aim to uncover physical parameters in chromatin that tune genomic transactions inside the cell nucleus. The work builds on prior findings that nucleosomes are active hubs, not just DNA packaging units, and will translate those ideas into measurable effects on protein function within human cells. Outcomes may reveal new targets for therapies that modify gene expression by altering chromatin structure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new ways to modulate gene expression in diseases where chromatin regulation goes awry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown nucleosome features can influence chromatin regulator activity, supporting the plausibility of this approach, though the specific topology-focused connections are being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Shixin — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Shixin
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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.