NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

A method to identify and analyze genetic variants in regulatory elements and genes.

Official title: varCUT&Tag: A Method for Simultaneous Identification and Characterization of Sequence Variants in Regulatory Elements and Genes

Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11134507 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new method called varCUT&Tag to help find rare genetic changes that can affect how genes work, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of genetic disorders for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$670,000
NIH project number4UH3NS132136-03
Project IDNIH-11134507 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with unexplained genetic disorders or those who have a family history of genetic conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients with well-characterized genetic conditions that do not involve regulatory element mutations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new technique called varCUT&Tag, which aims to improve the identification of rare genetic variants that occur in regulatory regions of the genome. By utilizing advanced epigenetic profiling technologies, the method will allow for high coverage sequencing of these regions, which are crucial for understanding gene expression and function. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to better insights into genetic disorders and the role of regulatory elements in disease. The approach is designed to be cost-effective and adaptable to different cell types, enhancing its applicability across various conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide deeper insights into genetic variations that influence disease, potentially leading to improved diagnostics and targeted therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using epigenetic profiling to identify genetic variants, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
    Worcester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Fazzio, Thomas G — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
  • Study coordinator: Fazzio, Thomas G

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.