How ribosomal RNA is controlled during blood cell development
A map of ribosomal RNA regulation in human hematopoiesis
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11169056
This project looks at how ribosomal RNA levels are tuned across different types of blood cells to help people with blood disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169056 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will re-analyze existing human blood-cell datasets using custom genome assemblies that include ribosomal DNA so reads that are normally discarded can be mapped. They will combine ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq data to chart where transcription factors bind rDNA and how that binding changes across the hematopoietic tree. The team already found that the myeloid factor CEBPA binds rDNA and boosts rRNA production, and they will extend this atlas to many factors and cell types. The work is primarily computational and uses human-derived sequencing data to build a detailed map of rRNA regulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with blood cancers, unexplained anemia, bone marrow failure, or other disorders of blood cell production would be most relevant to follow this research or to provide samples in future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to blood or bone marrow biology (for example isolated cardiac or neurological diseases) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new mechanisms and potential targets to correct abnormal ribosome production in blood disorders such as anemia, bone marrow failure, or leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: Using custom rDNA-aware genome assemblies to map rRNA regulation is relatively new but the team reports preliminary success (e.g., identifying CEBPA binding), while direct clinical benefits remain to be established.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PARALKAR, VIKRAM R. — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: PARALKAR, VIKRAM R.
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.