How DNA loops control genes
Mechanisms and impacts of chromatin looping
Researchers are building new lab and computer tools to find and change DNA loops that turn genes on and off, which could help people with genetic or developmental conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251723 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project maps special "phase separation" DNA loops that form when cells respond to signals and helps control gene activity. Scientists will develop lab methods to create or disrupt these loops and measure how those changes alter gene transcription in cell models. They will also build computational tools to analyze and visualize 3D genome structures and search for molecules that can break harmful loops. Together these approaches aim to reveal how DNA folding affects development and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might participate would be those willing to donate blood or tissue samples or whose cells could be used in lab studies of gene regulation, such as individuals with genetic or developmental conditions.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatments or direct clinical benefit should not expect personal health improvements from taking part, since this is lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to change gene activity and point to future therapies for genetic and developmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown DNA looping affects gene activity, but phase separation-driven loops are a newer discovery and methods to control them remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phanstiel, Douglas H. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Phanstiel, Douglas H.
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.