Understanding how DNA modifications affect plant development
Official title: Function and Mechanisms of Epigenetic Stability and Dynamics in Arabidopsis
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-10890136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes to DNA in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana help control its growth and development, which could teach us more about how similar processes work in other living things.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $487,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM145321-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include agricultural scientists, plant biologists, and farmers interested in crop improvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest or involvement in plant biology or agriculture may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation, in regulating genome function during the development of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. By examining how DNA methylation influences gene expression and the behavior of transposable elements, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that maintain a stable epigenetic state. The study utilizes advanced genetic techniques to analyze how these processes are balanced over time and across generations, providing insights into plant biology that may have broader implications for understanding similar mechanisms in other organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved agricultural practices by enhancing our understanding of plant genetics and development.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding epigenetic mechanisms in various organisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gehring, Mary — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Gehring, Mary
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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.