Imaging how cellular machines work to regulate genes
Official title: Imaging macromolecular machines in gene regulation
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11406166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists study the tiny machines inside cells that read and copy genetic information, using advanced imaging to understand their structure and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $386,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM158551-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-facing trial; basic science research conducted in a lab.
✕Less likely to help
This project does not involve recruiting patients or direct clinical interventions.
What this research studies
This project uses cryo-electron microscopy to map how molecular machines involved in gene regulation assemble and operate. It focuses on three areas: how CRISPR-Cas systems surveil genetic material, methods to determine structures of human protein complexes quickly, and how nucleic acid processing machines like ribosomes and RNA polymerases work. The goal is to uncover the fundamental mechanics of these systems so we can understand how genes are controlled and how new biotechnologies may be developed. The work combines experimental structure determination with mechanistic studies to reveal how enzymes turn processes on and off.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of gene-regulating machines could inform future therapies and tools for genome editing.
How similar studies have gone: Prior cryo-EM studies have successfully mapped complex molecular machines, supporting the potential to reveal new mechanisms in gene regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, David W — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Taylor, David W
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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.