Understanding how chromatin compacts in neurons
Official title: Regulation of phase separation in neuronal heterochromatin
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11143201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help pack DNA in brain cells, which could help us understand more about brain development and conditions that affect it, using mice to learn more about these processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $313,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS138924-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those associated with chromatin dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chromatin-related conditions that do not involve neuronal development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which chromatin, the material that makes up chromosomes, becomes compacted in neurons. The team is exploring the role of specific proteins and their interactions in this process, particularly focusing on how these interactions may influence neurodevelopmental conditions. By using mouse models and advanced computational methods, the researchers aim to uncover the underlying principles of chromatin regulation in the brain, which could lead to new insights into neurological diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders linked to chromatin regulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been successful studies exploring chromatin regulation in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Cole John — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Cole John
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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.