NIH-funded research R21 grant

New methods to predict proteins that bind to DNA

Official title: Novel deep learning frameworks for predicting nucleosome-binding proteins

Funded at Rochester Institute of Technology · NIH-11021069 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a new way to help scientists quickly and accurately find important proteins that help cells grow and develop, using advanced computer techniques that look at both the proteins' sequences and their shapes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRochester Institute of Technology
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$230,330
NIH project number5R21GM152740-02
Project IDNIH-11021069 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cellular differentiation or developmental disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to nucleosome-binding proteins or cellular differentiation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced deep learning techniques to predict nucleosome-binding proteins (NBPs), which are crucial for processes like cell differentiation and organ development. The approach involves a two-stage transfer learning framework that combines information from protein sequences and their three-dimensional structures. By utilizing state-of-the-art Graph Neural Networks, the researchers aim to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of identifying these proteins, which is currently a costly and time-consuming process. This innovative methodology could lead to significant advancements in understanding cellular functions and development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a faster and more cost-effective way to identify proteins that play key roles in cell development and differentiation.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using deep learning for protein prediction, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Rochester Institute of Technology
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cui, Feng — Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Study coordinator: Cui, Feng

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.