Creating a portable human artificial chromosome for new therapies
Official title: A portable synthetic human artificial chromosome for therapeutic development
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11034813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of artificial chromosome that can help control how certain proteins are made in response to inflammation, with the goal of creating better and more reliable treatments for autoimmune diseases that are specially designed for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 3, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,904 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB036741-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from relapsing-remitting autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable autoimmune conditions that do not require new therapeutic interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a synthetic human artificial chromosome (HAC) that can be used to control the expression of multiple therapeutic proteins in response to inflammation. By designing these HACs, researchers aim to improve the predictability and stability of cell-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. The approach involves programming these chromosomes to deliver precise genetic instructions, which could enhance the effectiveness of treatments. Patients may benefit from innovative therapies that are tailored to their specific autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using synthetic chromosomes for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silver, Pamela a — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Silver, Pamela a
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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.