Hidden DNA switches that control fetal hemoglobin levels
The dissection of non-canonical cis-regulatory elements downstream of beta-globin locus in the fetal hemoglobin gene regulation
This project uses gene-editing tools to find DNA switches near the beta-globin region that might raise fetal hemoglobin and help people with beta-thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use CRISPR gene editing and 3D genome mapping to delete or invert specific DNA binding sites around the beta-globin locus and observe effects on fetal hemoglobin production. They will study human-derived blood cells and cellular models to map extended regulatory regions (d-TAD and u-TAD) that sit downstream and upstream of the beta-globin cluster. The team will measure fetal hemoglobin levels after targeted edits and identify non-canonical regulatory elements that act as enhancers, repressors, or insulators. The findings aim to reveal new targets for future gene-editing therapies for hemoglobin disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with beta-thalassemia or sickle cell disease who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples or be considered for future gene-editing approaches.
Not a fit: People without beta-globin disorders, children, or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new gene-editing targets to boost fetal hemoglobin and thereby reduce symptoms of beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work editing BCL11A enhancers and some regulatory boundaries has successfully raised fetal hemoglobin in lab studies and early clinical trials, while this project explores less-studied downstream regulatory elements.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Xiaotian — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Xiaotian
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.