How DNA packaging controls gene activity
Official title: Transcription regulation in chromatin
Funded at Stowers Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11247124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how proteins that shape DNA packaging change gene activity in cells linked to cancer, hoping to reveal new treatment targets for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stowers Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2016 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $424,877 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM118068-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with cancers known to have mutations in SWI/SNF components (for example ARID1A mutations or SMARCA4 loss) would be the most relevant for sample donation or future trials based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancers driven by chromatin-remodeling defects or patients seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
What this research studies
This work examines chromatin-remodeling proteins (like ARID1A/ARID1B and SMARCA2/SMARCA4) that help package DNA and control which genes turn on or off. The team uses a mix of lab-grown human cells and yeast models to change specific protein parts, watch effects on gene expression and splicing, and map protein interactions such as links to paraspeckles. They will also study chemical modifications (like acetylation) of these proteins and test which paralog combinations are essential for cell survival. Findings aim to point to weaknesses in cancer cells that could be targeted by future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could pinpoint new molecular targets and strategies to kill cancer cells with defects in DNA-remodeling proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Prior lab studies have shown that targeting paralog dependencies can kill cancer cell lines, but translating these findings into approved patient treatments is still early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Workman, Jerry L — Stowers Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Workman, Jerry L
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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.