How new histone protein changes alter gene activity in cancer
Role of novel histone modifications and variants in transcriptional regulation
This project looks at how specific chemical tags and unusual versions of histone proteins change gene activity in cancer cells to better understand disease behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145837 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will use lab experiments in cells along with genetic and biochemical tools to add or remove specific histone marks and variants and then measure how genes respond. They will focus on a little-understood mark called H3T45 phosphorylation and on uncommon histone H3 variants found in some tumors. Computer analyses will help map how these changes reshape chromatin structure and which genes get turned on or off. Together, these approaches aim to reveal how cell signaling leads to harmful gene activity in cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer—especially those whose tumors carry histone H3 mutations or show abnormal epigenetic patterns—would be the most relevant for future sample-based studies or trials.
Not a fit: Healthy people or patients whose tumors lack histone-related changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets and explain how epigenetic changes drive cancer, guiding future treatments or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked other histone modifications to cancer, but focusing on H3T45 phosphorylation and certain H3 variants is relatively novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spangle, Jennifer Marie — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Spangle, Jennifer Marie
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.