Understanding how proteins bind to DNA
Official title: Deconvolving the language of protein binding
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11129907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in our cells connect with DNA, which helps control how our genes work, and it aims to find out how these connections can affect health, potentially helping patients understand diseases caused by these miscommunications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $404,948 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155380-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129907 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with genetic disorders or diseases linked to transcription factor malfunctions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene regulation or transcription factor activity may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how transcription factors, which are proteins that regulate gene expression, specifically bind to DNA in the nucleus. By using advanced robotic systems and machine learning algorithms, the study aims to uncover the complex rules that govern protein-DNA interactions, taking into account various biological factors that can influence binding. The research will utilize high-throughput genomic assays to analyze these interactions in human cells, providing insights into the mechanisms of gene regulation. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how mis-targeting of protein binding can lead to diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating diseases caused by improper gene regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar high-throughput genomic assays has shown success in understanding protein-DNA interactions in model organisms, suggesting potential for success in human studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, William — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Lai, William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
PORTENT 3.0 Technical Core for global health point-of-care tools
A NIH U54 grant supports Cornell and partners in advancing point-of-care technologies for nutrition, infection, and cancer to real-world use, especially in global health settings.
-
Point-of-care zinc test strips to verify infant zinc medicines in low-resource settings
A fast, low-cost smartphone‑based test strips method checks zinc-containing infant medicines in places with limited lab access.
-
Center for Spillover Prevention and One Health Readiness in Asia
A center in Asia works to prevent pandemics by studying how animal infections jump to humans and by building tools to detect and respond quickly to spillovers.
-
SAGE: A privacy-friendly system to monitor antimicrobial use in animals
A nationwide, privacy-preserving data hub will securely collect and standardize antimicrobial use data across animal species to support smarter stewardship and regulatory science.
-
Rapid, bedside KS diagnosis in Africa with KS-COMPLETE
A fast, point-of-care test using skin biopsies to diagnose Kaposi’s sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa, helping patients get results in about an hour.
-
Nuclear mechanics in tight cell movement
Scientists are studying how the nucleus changes its shape and function when cells squeeze through very small spaces, which could affect health and disease.
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.