How TET enzymes and QSER1 control DNA methylation during early development
Regulation of DNA methylation by TETs and QSER1
This project learns how TET enzymes and the protein QSER1 set DNA marks in early embryos to help prevent structural birth defects in developing babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164712 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how TET enzymes and QSER1 control DNA methylation when embryo cells decide what tissues they will become. The team uses human embryonic stem cells and zebrafish, together with a genome-wide CRISPR screen, biochemical tests, and epigenomic assays such as ATAC-seq to find where and how these proteins act. They focus on bivalent promoters and DNA methylation valleys that regulate key developmental genes linked to structural birth defects. The aim is to map molecular switches that could inform future diagnostics or prevention strategies for congenital anomalies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People or families affected by congenital structural birth defects, or those willing to donate relevant biological samples for developmental genetics research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to developmental or congenital structural anomalies are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular mechanisms behind structural birth defects and point to new approaches for diagnosis or prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown TET enzymes shape DNA methylation and development in models and stem cells, but QSER1's specific role is a newer discovery and the combined targeting mechanisms remain to be defined.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Todd R — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Evans, Todd 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.