Understanding how genes are turned on and off in living cells
Quantifying the coordinated dynamics of single-gene transcription and translation in living cells
This work aims to watch how genes make proteins inside living cells, which helps us understand diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094132 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on genes being turned on (transcription) and then used to build proteins (translation) in a very coordinated way. When these processes don't work correctly, it can lead to serious health problems, including cancer. This project is developing new ways to see these gene activities happening in real-time within single living cells, using advanced imaging and genetic tools like CRISPR. By lighting up these processes in multiple colors, we can observe how they work together and how they are affected by factors like changes to DNA packaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational biological work does not involve direct patient participation, but future applications may benefit patients with conditions related to gene regulation, such as cancer.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a fundamental understanding of how gene regulation goes wrong in diseases like cancer, potentially leading to new ways to develop treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While imaging single-gene transcription and single-mRNA translation has been pioneered, simultaneously imaging both processes at the single-molecule level in living cells is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stasevich, Timothy — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Stasevich, Timothy
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 below.