How protein clusters help cells change their function
Official title: Mechanisms of Transcriptional Condensate Function during Cell State Transitions
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10996524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a protein called MYOCD groups together in cells to help decide what type of cell they become, which could lead to better treatments for diseases related to cell changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,127 |
| NIH project number | 1F31GM156078-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions related to abnormal cell differentiation or gene expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular differentiation or gene regulation may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how proteins cluster together in cells to influence gene expression and cell fate determination. By focusing on a specific protein called MYOCD, the study explores how these protein clusters, known as condensates, are formed and how they function during critical transitions in cell types. The approach involves examining the role of different protein domains in the formation of these condensates and their impact on gene activation. Patients may benefit from insights gained into cellular processes that could inform treatments for diseases related to cell differentiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases by manipulating cell differentiation processes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding protein condensates and their role in cellular functions, indicating that this approach has potential for significant discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eppert, Mikayla — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Eppert, Mikayla
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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.