Understanding how nutrients affect DNA and gene regulation
Official title: Homeostasis of one-carbon metabolism to support epigenetic methylation
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10938127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the amino acid methionine and certain nutrients affect DNA changes that can influence how our genes work, which is important for understanding health, aging, and diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154956-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions related to altered one-carbon metabolism, such as certain cancers or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not involve epigenetic changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how one-carbon metabolism, particularly through the amino acid methionine, influences DNA methylation and gene expression. By examining how nutrients contribute to the production and consumption of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM), the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate epigenetic changes in various tissues. Using advanced techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, researchers will measure the turnover of SAM and its role in maintaining healthy cellular functions. This work is crucial for understanding the links between nutrition, aging, and diseases such as cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new nutritional strategies for preventing or treating diseases linked to epigenetic changes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of one-carbon metabolism in health and disease, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcbride, Matthew Joseph — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mcbride, Matthew Joseph
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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.