Chromatin-remodeling complexes and their role in human cancers
Official title: ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling in Human Malignancy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11306595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how mutations in chromatin-remodeling complexes cause different cancers so future treatments can target those changes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2012 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $386,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA163915-14 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose tumors have known mutations or dysfunction in BAF/mSWI-SNF subunits or evidence of Polycomb dysregulation (for example certain sarcomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and other cancers) would be most directly connected to this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers unrelated to chromatin-remodeling defects or those needing immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-research-focused project.
What this research studies
This project studies chromatin-remodeling complexes, especially the BAF (mSWI/SNF) complex, which is mutated in over 20% of human cancers. The team will map physical interactions between BAF complexes and Polycomb repressive complexes to understand how these interactions promote or suppress tumors. They will use molecular and biochemical experiments, cancer cell models, and likely human tumor samples to define mechanisms and pinpoint vulnerable sites for drugs. Ultimately the work aims to translate molecular insights into potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets that lead to therapies for cancers driven by chromatin-remodeling defects.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work has shown that inhibiting Polycomb complexes can help some tumors with BAF loss, but the detailed mechanisms remain novel and are still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crabtree, Gerald R. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Crabtree, Gerald 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.