How DNA-packaging helper proteins control cell behavior
Histone chaperones and cell state regulation
This project looks at how proteins that help package DNA, like DAXX and ATRX, keep cells in the right state and how their breakdown may relate to certain cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370271 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how the histone chaperones DAXX and ATRX control where a DNA packaging variant called H3.3 is placed and how that influences whether cells stay stable or become more plastic. They will use mouse models, lab-grown cells, and comparisons to human tumor data to see how losing these proteins changes cell differentiation and silences or activates certain DNA elements. Part of the work focuses on the pancreas and blood precursor cells because ATRX/DAXX changes are common in some tumors, like pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The researchers aim to connect basic molecular changes to features seen in human cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to carry ATRX or DAXX mutations, such as some pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to chromatin regulation or who do not have ATRX/DAXX or similar epigenetic alterations are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers or molecular targets for cancers driven by ATRX/DAXX changes and guide future treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown ATRX and DAXX affect chromatin and are linked to cancer risk, but turning those findings into treatments remains at an early, experimental stage.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wasylishen, Amanda Rietta — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Wasylishen, Amanda Rietta
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.