How DNA packaging controls intestinal epithelial stem cells
Chromatin regulation of epithelial stem cell function
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11435262
Researchers are studying how the way DNA is packaged and modified inside intestinal cells helps stem cells renew tissue or become specialized, which matters for bowel repair and cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11435262 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This lab focuses on intestinal stem cells that renew the gut lining and on nearby cells that can regain stem-like behavior after injury. Scientists will study chromatin modifications and transcription factors to see how they promote staying a stem cell or shifting to a specialized cell type. Work uses genetically marked mouse models and molecular genomics to map chromatin states and follow cell fate changes over time. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that control regeneration and cell plasticity in the intestinal epithelium.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal or other intestinal epithelial diseases or cancers would be the most directly relevant patient group for future studies informed by these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic laboratory research rather than a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for therapies that improve intestinal repair or prevent cancers driven by misregulated stem cell behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Related basic research has shown that chromatin and transcription factors influence stem cell behavior in other tissues, but applying these approaches specifically to intestinal stem cell plasticity is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRACZ, ADAM DAVID — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: GRACZ, ADAM DAVID
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