How gene switches and DNA markings control cell identity
Integrative computational models for functional epigenomics and transcriptional regulation
This project builds computer tools that use large genetic datasets to uncover how gene switches and DNA markers control cells, which could help people with diseases caused by gene regulation problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of this work as making better computer tools that read large public genetic and epigenetic datasets to find where gene "switches" (transcription factors) bind and how they change gene activity. The team will create new statistical models and computational methods that combine multiple kinds of genomic data to predict functional regulatory elements in the genome. This project is mainly computational and uses existing public data rather than enrolling patients, but the findings aim to point to regulators that can later be tested in labs and clinical research. Over the next several years the researchers will refine these models to improve accuracy in spotting regulation linked to disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions known or suspected to involve gene regulatory problems—such as certain cancers, inherited syndromes, or autoimmune disorders—or those able to share genomic or tissue data would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or whose conditions are unrelated to gene regulation are unlikely to benefit directly from this computational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal disease-linked gene regulators and suggest new targets for diagnostics or future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related computational genomics approaches have already helped find disease-associated regulatory elements, but the field is evolving and more accurate integrative models are still needed.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zang, Chongzhi — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Zang, Chongzhi
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.