Understanding how Oct4 protein interacts with DNA to regulate gene expression
Official title: Configuration-specific cofactors of Oct4
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10713592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called Oct4 helps control gene activity during the early stages of embryo development, which could help us understand certain diseases better and improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $154,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03TR004568-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10713592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome or related conditions that may involve Oct4-related gene regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to Oct4 function or those not affected by genetic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Oct4 transcription factor in regulating gene expression during early embryonic development and its potential implications for diseases. By examining how Oct4 binds to DNA in different configurations, the study aims to identify specific cofactors that influence transcription output. The researchers will use advanced techniques like affinity purification and mass spectrometry to analyze these interactions, which could enhance our understanding of Oct4's functions and improve reprogramming efficiency for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for cell reprogramming and differentiation, benefiting patients with genetic disorders linked to Oct4 dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding transcription factors and their cofactors, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tantin, Dean — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Tantin, Dean
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women
This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.
-
Understanding how cells respond to changes in membrane tension
This study looks at how yeast cells react when their outer layer gets stretched or squeezed due to changes in their environment, helping us understand how they stay healthy and function properly.
-
A program to lead and conduct clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers.
This study is all about finding better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and it invites patients to join exciting clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where expert doctors are working together to discover new therapies that could help improve their health.
-
New treatment for high phosphate levels in kidney disease patients
This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis lower their high phosphate levels in the blood by using special materials that can quickly and safely remove excess phosphate, offering a better option than current treatments.
-
Testing new treatments to help manage epilepsy
This study is looking at new treatments and devices to help people with epilepsy, especially those who have trouble with their current medications, to see if they can better control their seizures and improve their daily lives.
-
Exploring how flexible emotion regulation affects stress and emotional disorders in ethnic minority college students
This study looks at how college students from different ethnic backgrounds handle their feelings when faced with everyday stress, like discrimination and money worries, to see how this affects their anxiety and depression, and it aims to provide helpful insights for them.
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.