Understanding how gene silencing works in cells
Official title: Structure and Mechanism of Epigenetic Gene Silencing
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10941885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain enzymes help control gene activity in our cells, which is important for heart development and cancer, and it aims to find out how problems with these enzymes might lead to diseases that could affect you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $391,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155426-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiac diseases or cancers that may be linked to disruptions in gene silencing mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene silencing or those not affected by cardiac diseases or cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which specific enzymes, known as Polycomb Repressive Complexes and DNA methyltransferase 1, regulate gene silencing in cells. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers aim to uncover how these enzymes maintain cellular identity and contribute to cardiac development and cancer. The study focuses on understanding the interactions between these enzymes and chromatin, which is crucial for proper gene expression during cell differentiation. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how disruptions in these processes can lead to diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating cardiac diseases and certain cancers by targeting the mechanisms of gene silencing.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasinath, Vignesh — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Kasinath, Vignesh
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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.