How genes and chromatin control cell behavior
Single-cell analysis and synthetic control of mammalian chromatin dynamics and gene regulation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11258966
Researchers are using single-cell and synthetic biology tools to watch how gene-control switches work in human cells, which could help people with cancer, immune conditions, and aging-related problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258966 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses single-cell measurements and synthetic biology to observe how chromatin and regulatory proteins control genes in individual human cells over time. The team builds synthetic gene elements and applies high-throughput lab methods to probe hundreds to thousands of regulatory factors and DNA sites. By measuring dynamics in single cells rather than averaging many together, they aim to understand how cell-to-cell differences drive development, immune responses, and cancer behaviors. The work is laboratory-focused at Stanford and centers on human cell models rather than enrolling patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The grant itself is lab-based and does not enroll volunteers, but its findings could later apply to people with cancer, immune-related conditions, or age-associated disorders.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions unrelated to gene regulation (such as acute trauma) are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers or therapeutic targets that lead to better treatments for cancer, immune disorders, and age-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell genomics and synthetic biology approaches have begun to reveal gene-control patterns, but applying large-scale, time-resolved synthetic control to many factors is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BINTU, LACRAMIOARA — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BINTU, LACRAMIOARA
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.