Understanding how protein-RNA droplets form and age in cells
Official title: Multi-scale computational investigation of functions and mechanisms of protein-RNA phase separation.
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11375455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist-led project will use computer models to study how protein-RNA condensates behave, age, and influence cellular processes in ways that could relate to diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $360,925 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM138243-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375455 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals whose conditions involve age-related cellular changes or diseases linked to condensate dysfunction, where future translational work might apply.
✕Less likely to help
No immediate clinical intervention or patient participation is required for this computational study.
What this research studies
This project uses multi-scale computer simulations to explore the material properties of protein-RNA condensates and how these properties affect diffusion, molecule lookup, and chemical reactions inside cells. It aims to uncover rules that connect sequence and composition to condensate behavior, aging, and potential transitions toward solid-like states. By building detailed models, researchers hope to link condensate dynamics to regulatory processes and cellular timing. The work is primarily computational but addresses fundamental mechanisms that could inform understanding of human biology and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how condensates control cellular timing could lead to new insights into age-related diseases and cellular regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that condensate material properties influence cellular processes; this project extends those findings with new multi-scale models.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Potoyan, Davit — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Potoyan, Davit
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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.