Understanding how transcription factors find their target genes in cells
Official title: Resolving transcription factor target search mechanisms
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10917488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins called transcription factors find the right spots on DNA inside cells, which is important for understanding how genes work and could help us learn more about diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $588,426 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA300848-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to gene expression dysregulation, such as various types of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene expression or those not affected by transcription factor dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which transcription factors (TFs) locate specific DNA binding sites within the crowded environment of the cell nucleus. Using advanced microscopy techniques, the study aims to track TFs in real-time within live human and mouse cells, providing insights into their movement and interactions with DNA. By developing new computational methods to analyze this data, the research seeks to clarify how TFs efficiently discriminate between numerous non-specific sites to initiate gene expression. This could lead to a better understanding of gene regulation and its implications for diseases like cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of gene regulation, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with dysregulated gene expression.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using advanced microscopy for tracking transcription factors is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of cellular biology, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansen, Anders Sejr — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hansen, Anders Sejr
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.