How genetic differences affect cell regulation
Cellular Systems Genetic Approaches to Understanding Regulatory Variation
Researchers are learning how natural differences in DNA change the way cells control genes, using stem-cell models that relate to human development and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team uses stem cells derived from different genetic backgrounds to see how non-coding DNA differences change chromatin chemical tags and gene activity. They follow cells as they differentiate to identify genetic effects that appear early in development and persist in adult tissues. The lab combines cellular systems genetics, chromatin mapping, and comparisons across diverse samples to link regulatory variation to changes in cell identity. These approaches aim to reveal mechanisms that could underlie human developmental disorders and common diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults willing to provide biological samples (for example blood or skin) that can be used to make stem cells or DNA for analysis.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate clinical treatment or those without genetic or developmental concerns related to gene regulation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how non-coding genetic variants cause lasting tissue changes and point toward new diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown regulatory variants affect gene expression, but applying large-scale cellular systems genetics to map chromatin-driven effects is a relatively new and expanding approach.
Where this research is happening
Bar Harbor, United States
- Jackson Laboratory — Bar Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Christopher Lee — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Baker, Christopher Lee
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.