# The Functional Analysis of the Coactivator CARM1

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2021 · $358,400

## Abstract

Project Summary
Arginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification (PTM), which is catalyzed by a family of nine
arginine methyltransferases – the PRMTs. This PTM has been clearly implicated in a number of cellular
processes, including transcriptional regulation. In the context of transcriptional regulation, PRMT4/CARM1
functions as a coactivator with a large number of transcription factors. The mechanisms behind its coactivator
functions are unclear. In this grant proposal, we will follow-up on two fundamental discoveries that we made in
the past funding cycle: 1) that CARM1 methylates the MED12 component of Mediator and a transcription factor
NF1; and 2) that CARM1 overexpression in the mammary gland causes hyperplasia and increased ductal out-
growth. These two Aims are linked to each other, as they allow us to characterize two prominent CARM1
substrates in vitro and in cells, and then investigate their importance relaying the CARM1 signal in an in vivo
overexpression mouse model. Together, these Aims speak to the overarching goal of this grant, which is “The
Functional Analysis of the Coactivator CARM1”. Our working hypothesis is that when CARM1 is overexpressed
in disease states, it promotes cell proliferation by regulating the Mediator complex and NFI transcription
factors. A detailed understanding of the spectrum of CARM1 substrates, the “readers” of CARM1-generated
methylation marks, and the examination of physiological defects observed in the CARM1 overexpression
mouse models will help us develop a holistic view of the biological roles of this arginine methyltransferase
enzyme.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10236282
- **Project number:** 5R01GM126421-17
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** MARK T. BEDFORD
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $358,400
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2002-08-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10236282

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10236282, The Functional Analysis of the Coactivator CARM1 (5R01GM126421-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10236282. Licensed CC0.

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