Understanding how proteins and nucleic acids form and behave in cell compartments.
Official title: Inside Condensates: Bridging molecular structure and condensate material properties through simulation
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-10940007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny, droplet-like structures in our cells, made of proteins and genetic material, form and work, with the hope of learning more about their role in health issues like cancer and brain diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155259-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by cancers or neurodegenerative disorders, as well as those with other diseases linked to biomolecular condensates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to biomolecular condensates or those not affected by the diseases being studied may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the formation and properties of biomolecular condensates, which are membraneless compartments in cells made up of proteins and nucleic acids. By using advanced computer modeling and simulations, the research aims to elucidate the molecular structures and interactions that sustain these condensates. The goal is to improve our understanding of how these structures influence health and disease, particularly in conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. This approach seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional experimental methods, making it easier to evaluate the properties of condensates systematically.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into disease mechanisms and the development of targeted therapies for various health conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using computer models to study disordered proteins in condensates, indicating that this approach has potential for further advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joseph, Jerelle Aurelia — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Joseph, Jerelle Aurelia
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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.