Exploring the epigenome using advanced techniques to understand cell states
Official title: Expansion genomics for high-resolution single-cell and spatial epigenomics
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10945335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny changes in our genes affect our cells as we grow, age, and face diseases, using new techniques to get a closer look at these changes, which could help us better understand and treat various health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $743,524 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HG013679-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by conditions related to epigenetic changes, such as certain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, or age-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions not influenced by epigenetic factors or those who do not have access to the research facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the epigenome influences various cell states during development, aging, and disease. It employs innovative techniques like Expansion Genomics to physically expand biological samples, allowing for more detailed measurements of the epigenome at single-cell resolution. By combining expansion with existing methods, the research aims to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of epigenomic analysis, ultimately providing insights into gene regulation. Patients may benefit from improved understanding of their conditions through advancements in epigenomic technologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases by providing deeper insights into gene regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced genomic techniques to study epigenetics, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buenrostro, Jason Daniel — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Buenrostro, Jason Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using biomaterials to boost T cell immunity against cancer
This study is exploring new ways to boost the immune system's T cells, which help fight cancer, by using special materials to create artificial cells that can better activate them, with the hope of developing improved treatments for cancer patients.
-
Understanding how venom glands develop to reveal new medicines
A Corsortium at Harvard studies how venom glands form and work in different animals to uncover new ways to create and use powerful medicines for human health.
-
Muscle Mass: a Key Missing Piece in How We Model Movement
This project studies how adding muscle mass to computer models changes predictions of movement, aiming to improve mobility for people of all ages.
-
Synthetic circuit tools to precisely control human immune cells
Aims to design safe, programmable gene circuits that can steer human immune cells for better therapies.
-
HPF-X: A fast, buffer-exchanging high-pressure freezing tool for capturing rapid cellular events
A new tool called HPF-X will let scientists freeze cells at precise moments after stimulation, so we can see rapid molecular changes in neuroscience and related fields.
-
Pathways and factors to prevent early-onset colorectal tumors
This NIH grant would explore why colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50 and identify clues we can use to prevent it.
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.