Understanding How Special Proteins Open Up Our DNA
Dissecting the Mechanisms of Pioneer Factor Facilitated Chromatin Opening
This project aims to understand how special proteins called pioneer factors help open up our DNA to turn genes on or off, which is important for cell development and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11113999 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' DNA is tightly packed, making it hard for important signals to reach genes. This project looks at "pioneer factors," which are special proteins that can open up this packed DNA. By understanding how these factors work at a very detailed level, we hope to learn more about how cells decide what they become and how this process can go wrong in diseases like cancer and neurological conditions. We will use advanced techniques to see exactly how these proteins interact with DNA and change its structure, potentially regulating other factors involved in gene activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions related to gene regulation, cell development, cancer, or neurological disorders may ultimately benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of how genes are turned on and off could lead to new ways to treat diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of pioneer factors is known, this project focuses on novel, detailed molecular mechanisms that are currently not well understood.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nikolova, Evgenia Nikolaevna — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Nikolova, Evgenia Nikolaevna
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 below.