{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101002"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101002","attributes":{"code":"DE260101002","administering-organisation":"The University of Sydney","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Sydney","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-04-01","anticipated-end-date":"2029-03-31","grant-summary":"DNA shape as a regulatory element in transcription factor activity. The regulation of gene activity is fundamental to biology. Transcription factors control gene expression by selectively recognizing DNA motifs near target genes. However, these motifs often exhibit highly similar primary DNA sequence, raising the question how transcription factors discriminate and activate genes based on cellular needs. Using interdisciplinary approaches, this project aims to demonstrate that transcription factor binding specificity is encoded in DNA shape and dynamics. The findings that the intrinsic DNA shape determines gene regulatory outcomes, will deepen our understanding of cell biology and guide future efforts to modulate cellular activity rationally.","funding-current":534320.00,"funding-at-announcement":530079,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Serafima","familyName":"Guseva","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-9706-5035 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Serafima","familyName":"Guseva","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-9706-5035 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Sydney","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Sydney","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3101","name":"Biochemistry and Cell Biology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310112","name":"Structural Biology (Incl. MacRomolecular Modelling)","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310508","name":"Genome Structure and Regulation","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"280102","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biological Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Israel","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"This project addresses a fundamental biological question: how organisms selectively ‘read’ the right parts of their genome to regulate cellular behavior. The answers to this question are largely shared across complex life forms, from yeast to vertebrates. Understanding the mechanisms guiding when and how our genes are used will have significant implications across research, medicine, and biotechnology. \nThis project will strengthen Australia’s research leadership and contribute to technological advancements in molecular biology. Beyond advancing fundamental biology, this research will contribute new and vital knowledge to key areas of economic and scientific growth in Australia, including the rapidly growing biotechnology and drug development sectors. Examples of practical applications exist already, and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms will significantly expand our opportunities for economic progress and therapeutic innovation. "}}}