Chromatin remodelers and blood disorders: how BRG1/BRM shape hemoglobin production
Official title: Chromatin remodelers in erythropoiesis and hemoglobin regulation
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11448820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how chromatin remodeling proteins control red blood cell development and fetal vs. adult hemoglobin, with potential implications for diseases like sickle cell and beta-thalassemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $699,999 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK144080-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448820 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with anemia or hemoglobin disorders, or individuals contributing erythroid cell samples, could be eligible for related future studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without anemia or hemoglobin disorders may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores how BRG1 and related chromatin remodeling factors regulate which genes are turned on during red blood cell formation and how much fetal versus adult hemoglobin is made. Researchers will study human erythroid cells to see how altering BRG1-containing complexes changes gene expression at the beta-globin locus. The goal is to identify specific components that could be targeted to increase beneficial fetal hemoglobin or modify adult hemoglobin in patients with hemoglobin disorders. Findings could guide new approaches to improve outcomes for anemia and sickle cell disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to boost beneficial fetal hemoglobin or fine-tune adult hemoglobin in patients with beta-thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that chromatin remodelers can influence globin gene expression, supporting potential translational relevance, though specific targeting in humans is still under exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khandros, Eugene — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Khandros, Eugene
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.