How epigenetic changes control human cells using math and lab experiments
DMS/NIGMS 2: The mathematics of epigenetic regulation in human cells
Researchers will build and test many CRISPR-based epigenetic regulators in human cells and use mathematical models to understand how those changes turn genes on and off, which could help people affected by diseases linked to gene regulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176160 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will create and stably insert libraries of CRISPR-based epigenetic regulators into human cell lines to act as controlled examples of gene regulation. They will combine mathematical theory, computer simulations, and single-cell experiments to measure how these regulators change gene activity over time. Large-scale, measured datasets will be used as 'ground truth' to refine and validate predictive models of epigenetic behavior. The approach aims to uncover general rules about the dynamics and stability of epigenetic control in human cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project works with human cell lines in the laboratory and does not enroll patients, so there are no eligibility criteria for patient volunteers.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to benefit because the grant funds basic laboratory and modeling work rather than a clinical therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve our ability to predict and eventually target diseases caused by faulty gene regulation, such as certain cancers or developmental disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related single-cell and CRISPR-based experiments have yielded useful insights, but combining large CRISPR epigenetic libraries with predictive mathematical models at this scale is relatively new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bleris, Leonidas — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Bleris, Leonidas
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.