Understanding how biomolecules organize in cells
Official title: Molecular determinants of condensate assembly in heterogeneous environments
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-10941213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny molecules in our cells, like proteins and DNA, come together to form clusters that help important chemical reactions happen, and it aims to understand how these clusters stay stable, which could help us learn more about certain diseases, including those that affect the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155017-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by neurodegenerative disorders or those interested in the underlying biological processes of cellular organization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to biomolecular organization or those not affected by neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, organize themselves within cells to facilitate essential biochemical reactions. It focuses on the formation of biomolecular condensates, which are structures that achieve spatial organization through a process called phase separation. By using theoretical and computational methods, the research aims to uncover the molecular factors that influence the stability and assembly of these condensates, particularly in complex cellular environments. This understanding could provide insights into various biological processes and diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the mechanisms of biomolecular organization.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding biomolecular condensates, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacobs, William Monroe — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Jacobs, William Monroe
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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.