Understanding how a specific protein controls gene activity during early development
Official title: In vivo mechanisms of Dorsal-mediated transcriptional control in development
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10791629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein in fruit flies helps control when and how genes are turned on during their early development, using cool imaging tools to see these changes in action, and it could help us learn more about how genes work in all living things.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $305,864 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM152815-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for potential benefit include individuals with genetic disorders or cancers related to transcriptional regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene expression or developmental processes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the Dorsal protein regulates gene expression during the early development of fruit flies. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to observe real-time changes in transcription factor dynamics and how these influence gene activity. The focus is on understanding the timing and frequency of gene expression bursts, which are crucial for proper developmental processes. Insights gained from this research could enhance our understanding of developmental biology and gene regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding developmental disorders and cancers linked to gene regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding gene regulation through similar methodologies, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Hernan Gustavo — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Hernan Gustavo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mobile AI-powered microscope to quickly spot parasites in wastewater
A new AI-enabled mobile microscope will be tested to quickly detect parasite eggs in wastewater from refugee settings to help protect public health.
-
SCAN: Standardized brain imaging for Alzheimer’s and related dementias
A nationwide effort to standardize brain imaging data in people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias so researchers can compare results and learn how to diagnose and track the disease.
-
Cerebellum’s role in thinking and behavior across tasks
This grant explores how the cerebellum helps people think, feel, and behave across different tasks, with a focus on understanding cognitive and affective processing in cerebellar disorders.
-
Genetic clues to how teeth form and replace themselves in sticklebacks
A study in a fish model aims to uncover the genetic factors that control how teeth form and keep renewing, with potential implications for human tooth regeneration.
-
California Abundant Birth Project: does guaranteed income during pregnancy affect birth outcomes and child development?
A government-backed program gives pregnant people in California monthly income to reduce stress, with researchers studying how this helps birth outcomes and early child development.
-
American-Asian Arbovirus Research and Enhanced Surveillance Center
A2CARES is a national program that brings together scientists across disciplines to improve detection, study, and response to arthropod-borne viruses affecting adults in the Americas and Asia.
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.