A new method to analyze DNA organization in individual cells
Official title: Femto-seq: Targeted photo-biotinylation, pulldown and sequencing of locus and region-specific DNA from femtoliter volumes within individual cells
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11012804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to look at how DNA is organized inside individual cells, which could help us understand how genes work during important processes like cell changes and stress, and the findings might lead to better treatments for diseases related to gene regulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $288,008 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM145934-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions related to gene regulation, such as certain cancers or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene regulation or those who do not have a genetic component to their disease may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a novel technique called Femto-seq, which allows scientists to study the spatial organization of DNA within individual cells. By using advanced imaging and biotinylation methods, researchers can target and analyze specific regions of the genome in very small volumes, providing insights into how genes are regulated during processes like cell differentiation and stress responses. This approach aims to bridge the gap between traditional methods that analyze bulk samples and those that look at single cells, offering a more detailed understanding of genomic interactions. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to new strategies for understanding and treating diseases linked to gene regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding gene regulation, potentially improving treatments for diseases related to genetic changes.
How similar studies have gone: While the Femto-seq approach is innovative, similar techniques in studying genome organization have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zipfel, Warren R — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Zipfel, Warren R
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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.