Epigenomic profiling of cell-free nucleosomes in plasma cancer research
Official title: Epigenomic analysis of cell-free nucleosomes for cancer research
Funded at Epicypher, INC. · NIH-11378010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new test platform analyzes the tiny pieces of DNA wrapped around proteins in blood to help identify cancer signals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Epicypher, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,047,610 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA284973-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cancer or at risk for cancer who would benefit from noninvasive liquid biopsy-based insights.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancer or with conditions not detectable by cfNuc-seq may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a blood-based epigenomic assay that looks at cell-free nucleosomes to determine tissue of origin and disease state in cancer. It focuses on improving sensitivity, reliability, and standardization of cfNuc-seq to overcome limitations of current liquid biopsy tests. The work will use human plasma samples to create a commercial testing platform that could guide diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. If successful, it could enable more precise, noninvasive cancer insights from a simple blood draw.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more accurate, noninvasive cancer detection and monitoring through a blood test.
How similar studies have gone: Early cfChIP-seq approaches showed promise, but standardization is needed; this project aims to commercialize a robust platform.
Where this research is happening
-
Epicypher, INC.
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venters, Bryan J — Epicypher, INC.
- Study coordinator: Venters, Bryan J
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.