How the DNA-packaging protein H2A.Z influences cell identity and cancer
Function of Chromatin Features in Cellular Programming
This project will learn whether a DNA-packaging protein called H2A.Z controls how cells change identity, which could matter for people with cancer.
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-11322523 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how H2A.Z, a protein that helps package DNA, controls whether cells keep their identity or switch to new types. Researchers will alter H2A.Z regulators in lab-grown mouse cells, human cancer cells, and developing zebrafish embryos to see how those changes affect cell programming. They will use genome-wide sequencing and other molecular tools to map where H2A.Z sits on the genome and how that affects turning genes on or off. Results may help explain why some cells fail to differentiate and how that can lead to cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers marked by abnormal cell differentiation or known epigenetic changes (tumors with disrupted gene regulation) are the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cell programming or cancers driven solely by unrelated genetic mutations may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new molecular targets to stop or reverse the abnormal cell programming that contributes to some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research has shown H2A.Z affects chromatin structure and gene control, but translating these findings toward treatments is still early and largely untested clinically.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Patrick J. — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Patrick J.
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.