How chromatin protein complexes control genes in cancer
Chemical Genetic Approaches to Study Chromatin Complexes
This project looks at whether blocking a protein called LSD1 and its partners can stop cancers with altered gene-control machinery, such as some medulloblastomas.
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 ID | NIH-11397259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using chemical-genetic tools and drug-resistant mutations to map how LSD1 and its partner proteins like GFI1B and KBTBD4 work together to control gene activity. They will test how small molecules that bind LSD1 change these protein interactions and whether that disrupts tumor growth in lab models. The team uses cell-based assays and mouse models linked to medulloblastoma to see which interactions are most important for cancer. Results will guide whether these protein interactions are promising targets for new cancer drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients whose tumors overexpress GFI1B or carry KBTBD4 mutations — such as certain group 3 and 4 medulloblastomas — would be the most relevant candidates for future trials stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not driven by chromatin-related changes or lacking LSD1/GFI1B involvement are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targeted treatments that stop or slow tumors driven by LSD1/GFI1B interactions, including some medulloblastomas.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies, including mouse models, have shown that LSD1 inhibitors can be effective in GFI1B-driven medulloblastoma, but clinical benefit in people has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liau, Brian — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Liau, Brian
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.