How gene changes shape cancer cells

Computational analysis of complex genetic interactions

NIH-funded research Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-11251553

The team is building computer tools to understand how combinations of gene changes alter cancer cells, to help researchers find better treatment targets for people with cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11251553 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have cancer, this project works behind the scenes to read huge genetic experiments that test many gene changes at once. The researchers use data from technologies like CRISPR screens, deep mutational scans, and reporter assays and apply advanced statistical models to find patterns. Their methods aim to predict how untested genetic combinations will affect cell behavior and to measure how certain those predictions are. The work is done on laboratory and sequencing data rather than treating patients directly, but it can guide future lab and clinical studies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with cancer whose tumor samples are included in genetic screening projects or who are willing to donate tissue for lab studies would be most directly connected to this work.

Not a fit: Patients looking for an immediate change in their clinical care are unlikely to benefit directly from this computational, lab-focused research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help researchers identify more precise drug targets and speed the design of therapies tailored to specific genetic changes in tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Related computational analyses of genetic screens have produced useful insights in cancer research, but applying flexible models to very large combinations of mutations is a newer and more ambitious step.

Where this research is happening

Cold Spring Harbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.