How Proteins Control Gene Activity
Binding Kinetics in Transcription Activation and Repression
This research explores how proteins called transcription factors attach to our DNA and control which genes are active, helping us understand how genetic differences affect health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110344 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how special proteins, called transcription factors, attach to our DNA and control whether genes are active or inactive. Many genetic differences linked to health conditions are found in these control regions, not directly within the genes themselves. While we can predict where these proteins might bind, we don't fully understand how often they bind, how long they stay attached, or what they do once there. This project uses a new AI-based model to create artificial DNA-binding proteins and then uses advanced microscopy to watch them interact with DNA inside living cells. This will help us uncover the precise ways cells manage gene activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment options would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of how genes are turned on and off could help us better predict the effects of genetic differences and potentially lead to new treatments for diseases caused by faulty gene control.
How similar studies have performed: While the general field of gene regulation is well-established, this project uses a novel AI-based approach and advanced microscopy to measure how proteins bind to DNA in a new way.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lionnet, Timothee — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lionnet, Timothee
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.