Understanding how loss of gene expression leads to cell death
Official title: Mechanism of cell lethality following loss of gene expression.
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10906016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stopping certain genes from working can lead to cell death, and it aims to find out which specific genes are involved in this process, which could help us understand diseases where cell death plays a big role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $33,758 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA284879-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with cancers or conditions where apoptosis plays a significant role in disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to apoptosis or transcriptional regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cell death that occurs when gene expression is inhibited. It focuses on how the degradation of RNA Polymerase II, rather than the loss of mRNA, triggers a signal that leads to apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death. By utilizing a genome-wide CRISPR screen, the study aims to identify specific genes that regulate this pro-apoptotic signal, providing insights into cellular responses to transcriptional inhibition. This could have implications for understanding various diseases where cell death is a critical factor.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases characterized by unwanted cell death, such as certain cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using CRISPR screens is established, the specific focus on the mechanisms of cell death following transcriptional inhibition is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harper, Nicholas Wade — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Harper, Nicholas Wade
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.