Understanding how cells respond to stress at the genetic level
Official title: Dissecting mechanisms of transcriptional regulation during stress
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11124139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our cells handle stress from things like aging and cancer by figuring out how they control their genes, which could help us understand how cells make important choices when times get tough.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 25, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,528 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155432-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, or cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute stress responses unrelated to chronic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mammalian cells manage gene expression when faced with environmental stresses, which can lead to serious health issues like aging and cancer. The study focuses on two key mechanisms: the formation of biomolecular condensates that regulate gene activity and the disruption of normal transcription processes. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover the molecular basis of cellular stress responses, which could provide insights into how cells make critical decisions during stressful conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating age-related diseases and cancers by enhancing our understanding of cellular stress responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular stress responses, but this specific approach to studying gene regulation during stress is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pitchiaya, Sethuramasundaram — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Pitchiaya, Sethuramasundaram
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.