How the KDM5 protein controls genes in unexpected ways

Non-canonical mechanisms of gene regulation by the histone demethylase KDM5

['FUNDING_R01'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11180216

Researchers are studying how changes in the KDM5 protein alter gene control in ways that could matter for some cancers and intellectual disability.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11180216 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project uses fruit flies to map how KDM5 controls genes separate from its well-known enzyme activity. The team is probing a previously uncharacterized tail region of KDM5 and its connection to the NSL transcriptional activation complex. They combine genetic experiments, protein interaction mapping, and molecular assays in Drosophila to see how these non-enzymatic functions affect development and survival. The goal is to explain how KDM5 changes can lead to disease and point to molecular pathways for future study.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with cancers or developmental disorders linked to KDM5 changes are the groups most likely to be affected by future therapies based on this research.

Not a fit: Because the work is preclinical in fruit flies, patients needing immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets or biomarkers that eventually guide better treatments or diagnoses for cancers and KDM5-related intellectual disability.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked KDM5 to cancer and developmental disorders and suggested non-enzymatic roles, but the specific mechanisms and interactions targeted here remain largely unproven.

Where this research is happening

BRONX, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.