NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how Fork Head proteins regulate organ development and metabolism

Official title: Uncovering the Regulatory Mechanisms of the Fork Head Transcription Factor

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10996811 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain proteins help shape organs and manage metabolism, using fruit flies to learn more about their role, which could help us understand some cancers and metabolic issues better.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$49,774
NIH project number1F31DE034305-01
Project IDNIH-10996811 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or metabolic disorders linked to Fork Head protein mutations.

Less likely to help

Patients without any known genetic mutations in Fork Head proteins or those with unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Fork Head transcription factors in organ development and metabolic regulation. By studying the Drosophila model, the project aims to uncover how these proteins interact with other transcription factors to influence organ formation and function. The methodology includes advanced techniques like ChIP-sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression and protein interactions. This research could provide insights into the mechanisms behind certain cancers and metabolic disorders linked to mutations in these proteins.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancers and metabolic disorders associated with Fork Head protein mutations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding transcription factors in other contexts, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Laughner, Nathaniel — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Laughner, Nathaniel

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.