Changes in histone proteins that may drive cancer
Histone fold Mutations in Cancer Pathogenesis
Looks at how small changes in the proteins that package DNA (histones) might drive some lung, colorectal, head and neck, and bladder cancers and point to new treatment ideas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, this work examines cancer genomic data to find repeated changes in histone genes and then tests what those changes do in the lab. The team uses databases of patient tumor genomes and follows up with experiments in cells, yeast, and biochemical assays to see how mutant histones disrupt the structure that packages DNA. They focus on specific mutations (for example H2BE76K) that seem to prevent normal nucleosome formation and alter chromatin. The goal is to connect these molecular effects to cancer behavior so future therapies or tests can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients whose tumors carry mutations in histone genes—particularly people with lung, colorectal, head and neck, or bladder cancer—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not have histone gene mutations are unlikely to directly benefit from the findings of this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets or markers for cancers that carry histone mutations, helping develop more precise treatments or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work, including the investigators' Cancer Discovery paper on the H2BE76K mutation, showed these changes can disrupt nucleosomes, so the approach builds on promising early laboratory evidence but remains preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Licht, Jonathan D. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Licht, Jonathan D.
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.