Investigating how nucleosome structures in neurons affect chromatin and vision loss
Nanoscale cryo-electron tomographic analysis of nucleosome condensates in neuronal chromatin
This study is looking at how changes in the structure of DNA in brain cells might cause cell death and vision loss, especially in people with retinitis pigmentosa, and it hopes to find ways to reverse this process using advanced imaging techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10669760 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the condensation of chromatin in mature neuronal cells can lead to cell death and degeneration, particularly in relation to vision loss. By using advanced imaging techniques like cryo-electron tomography, the study aims to explore the structure of nucleosome condensates and their role in chromatin behavior. The researchers hypothesize that certain modifications to histones can influence this condensation process, potentially offering insights into reversing conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from retinal degeneration disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Not a fit: Patients with non-degenerative eye conditions or those not experiencing vision loss may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore vision in patients with degenerative retinal disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting epigenetic modifiers can partially reverse blindness in animal models, indicating potential for success in similar approaches.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grigoryev, Sergei a — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Grigoryev, Sergei a
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.