Molecular functions of key BAF subunits in chromatin remodeling
Official title: Molecular Functions of DPF1, DPF3, and PHF10 in BAF-Mediated Chromatin Remodeling
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11441244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how DPF1, DPF3, and PHF10 help brain cells control which genes are turned on or off, which can affect neurodevelopment and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 14, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $167,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS151257-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This work is foundational and involves molecular biology studies; it does not enroll patients.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is involved in this specific grant.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how specific BAF complex subunits—DPF1, DPF3, and PHF10—work together to remodel chromatin in neurons. They built lab systems to reconstitute BAF complexes and will test how subunits influence nucleosome binding, sliding, and ATPase activity. The goal is to link molecular behaviors of these proteins to neurodevelopmental disorders such as Baraitser-Winter syndrome, Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome, autism, and related conditions. Findings could point to mechanisms behind brain development issues and potential avenues for future therapies. This project uses cell-free systems and biochemical assays to map functional roles of these proteins in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how chromatin remodeling factors contribute to neurodevelopment could guide future treatments for associated disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that BAF complex subunits are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, with ongoing efforts to define their precise molecular roles.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watanabe, Shinya — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Watanabe, Shinya
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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.