A map of DNA switches and how genes are controlled
A Foundational Resource of Functional Elements, TF footprints and Gene Regulatory Interactions
This project will create detailed maps of DNA regulatory sites and protein binding to help people with autoimmune diseases and other conditions understand how genetic changes affect health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136936 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers will use advanced single-cell tests that read RNA and chromatin to find DNA regulatory elements and transcription factor binding sites in many cell types and states. They plan to capture rare cell types, early developmental states, and responses to different conditions to better reflect disease-relevant biology. The team will link those regulatory sites to the genes they control so we can interpret noncoding genetic changes tied to autoimmune diseases. The resulting resource will be shared with the scientific community to speed up future diagnostics and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions who are willing to provide blood or tissue samples or share clinical information at participating sites would be the most likely contributors.
Not a fit: This project is a resource-building effort, so participants should not expect a direct or immediate personal treatment benefit from taking part.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this resource could help researchers and doctors pinpoint which noncoding genetic variants drive autoimmune disease and guide new diagnostics or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Large projects like ENCODE and GTEx have successfully mapped regulatory elements on a broad scale, and this effort applies similar ideas at single-cell resolution and in disease-relevant contexts.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Broad Institute, INC. — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buenrostro, Jason Daniel — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Buenrostro, Jason Daniel
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.