Proteins that read non‑CpG DNA methylation in brain nerve cells
Identification and characterization of mCpH binding proteins in neurons
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11158795
Finding proteins in nerve cells that bind non‑CpG DNA methylation to better understand gene control in adults with ALS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research will look inside nerve cells to find proteins that bind to methylated DNA outside the usual CpG sites (called mCpH). The team will use mouse and human neuronal samples, biochemical affinity tests, and genomic methods including ATAC‑seq to locate where these proteins attach and how they influence gene activity. They will compare patterns from healthy and disease‑related samples to see whether these mCpH readers change in conditions like ALS. The project aims to map which proteins read mCpH and clarify how that changes neuronal gene regulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with ALS or people willing to donate brain tissue or other biological samples would be the most relevant participants for related sample collection efforts.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate symptom relief should not expect direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular mechanisms behind ALS and point to new biomarkers or targets for future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work discovered MeCP2 as an mCpH reader and mapped CpH methylation in neurons, but identifying and characterizing additional mCpH‑binding proteins is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHU, HENG — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZHU, HENG
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.
Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease