How proteins find the right spots on human DNA
Deconvolving the language of protein binding
This project uses lab robots and AI to learn how human gene-controlling proteins recognize specific DNA sites, which could help people with diseases caused by misdirected gene regulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322167 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use automated, high-throughput laboratory assays to measure how purified human transcription factors bind to many DNA sequences across the genome. They will run these biochemical tests on robotic liquid-handling systems and collect high-resolution binding data with specialized assays. Machine-learning algorithms will then search the data for the rules and patterns that determine where proteins bind, including effects of cofactors and chromatin features. The team previously mapped binding preferences in yeast and will now scale these methods to human proteins to better understand mechanisms that can go wrong in disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a laboratory-based project that does not enroll patients or require patient participation.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or clinical intervention are unlikely to benefit directly because the project focuses on basic lab research rather than patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve understanding of diseases caused by misregulated gene control and eventually guide better diagnostics or targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related high-resolution biochemical-genomic assays have successfully revealed binding preferences in model systems like yeast, but applying them at ultra-high throughput to human transcription factors is a newer advance.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, William — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Lai, William
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.