Computer tools to map how genes control cell behavior
New Computational Systems Biology Methods for Modeling Gene Regulatory Circuits
This project builds new computer methods to map how groups of genes drive cells to change states, with the goal of informing future treatments for diseases like cancer or fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine large patient genomics datasets with new computational models to map networks of interacting genes that control cell-state changes. They will use simulations to test which genes or interactions are most likely to push a cell from a healthy to a harmful state (or vice versa). The team will refine computer algorithms to pick the most important genes and regulatory links for accurate, testable predictions. Over time this approach aims to point to potential therapeutic targets that could be followed up in lab or clinical studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions driven by abnormal cell-state transitions—such as many cancers, fibrotic diseases, or disorders involving cell differentiation—would be most relevant for the kinds of patient data used and for future therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to gene-regulatory or cell-state processes, or those needing immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to see direct benefits from this computational project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the methods could help identify key genes to target with new or repurposed therapies, speeding development of treatments for diseases driven by cell-state changes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous computational network-inference studies have identified useful gene interactions, but this project aims to develop new, more predictive methods that are not yet established in practice.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Mingyang — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Mingyang
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.