Understanding gene regulation in the brain using fruit flies.
Official title: Long-Range Regulatory Interactions in the Drosophila Brain.
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11130615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the shape of DNA in fruit flies affects how genes work during brain development, which could help us understand important processes in both flies and humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $127,145 |
| NIH project number | 1K99NS138574-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or those interested in the genetic basis of brain function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene regulation or brain development may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the three-dimensional structure of the genome affects gene expression during brain development in fruit flies. By using advanced techniques to map chromatin interactions, the study aims to identify specific regions of DNA that regulate important genes involved in cell adhesion. The research will also explore how manipulating these regions can influence gene transcription, providing insights into the fundamental processes of neural development. Although focused on fruit flies, the findings may have implications for understanding similar mechanisms in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of gene regulation in the brain, potentially leading to new strategies for treating neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach in this research is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding gene regulation through chromatin architecture in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xiao — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Li, Xiao
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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.