Understanding how certain proteins help cells change their function
Official title: Role of nucleosome architecture in cellular reprogramming
Funded at University of North Dakota · NIH-11100881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help change the way cells work by opening up their DNA, which could help us understand how problems with these proteins might be connected to diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Forks, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $210,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM148729-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or conditions linked to cellular reprogramming and chromatin misregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular reprogramming or chromatin structure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific proteins, known as pioneer factors, interact with chromatin to facilitate cellular reprogramming. By examining the mechanisms through which these proteins can open up tightly packed DNA structures, the study aims to uncover how cells can switch their functions effectively. The research employs advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to visualize these interactions at a molecular level. This understanding could lead to insights into how misregulation of these factors is linked to diseases such as cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases related to cellular reprogramming, including various cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of pioneer factors in cellular processes, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Takaku, Motoki — University of North Dakota
- Study coordinator: Takaku, Motoki
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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.