How 3D DNA folding helps cells remember which genes to stay off
Spatial Regulation of Epigenetic Memory
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11195541
This project looks at how the three-dimensional folding of DNA and its packaging proteins help cells remember which genes should stay switched off, with relevance to cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team will study proteins that package DNA (like HP1 and Polycomb) to see how they influence a cell's memory for keeping genes repressed. They will examine individual genomic sites and measure 3-D chromatin folding and protein interactions using high-resolution lab techniques and cell models. The researchers will track how those interactions refresh chemical tags on histones during cell division and nucleosome turnover. Most of the work is laboratory-based and aims to explain why repression sometimes fails in cancer rather than testing a treatment in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers characterized by epigenetic changes who can provide tumor or biopsy samples for research would be the most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research, most patients should not expect direct or immediate treatment benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new biomarkers or molecular targets that eventually lead to better cancer diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown HP1 and Polycomb influence chromatin compaction, but applying a spatial-feedback model at the single-locus level is a newer idea that has not yet been tested clinically.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MURPHY, SEDONA — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MURPHY, SEDONA
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.
Conditions: Cancers