Understanding how nuclei are spaced in muscle development
Official title: The mechanisms and functions of nuclear spacing in muscle development
Funded at Boston College · NIH-10894829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny centers of muscle cells, called nuclei, move and are spaced out, which is really important for healthy muscle growth, and it could help us understand problems with nucleus positioning in muscle diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $313,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM147376-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by muscle diseases, particularly those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle conditions unrelated to nuclear positioning may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the movement and spacing of nuclei in muscle cells, which is crucial for proper muscle development. By using advanced imaging and genetic techniques, the study aims to identify the proteins and mechanisms that control how nuclei are positioned within muscle fibers. This knowledge could help explain the mispositioning of nuclei seen in muscle diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The research will involve creating and testing mutant proteins to isolate their specific roles in nuclear movement and spacing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential therapies for muscle diseases characterized by nuclear mispositioning.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of nuclear spacing in muscle cells are not fully understood, related research has shown promise in understanding cellular processes in muscle development.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Folker, Eric S — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Folker, Eric S
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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.