Improving cancer detection using advanced DNA profiling techniques
Official title: Enriching and Base-Resolution Profiling of 5-Methylcytosine in Degraded Clinical Samples
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11064396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to look at DNA changes related to cancer, using a special technique called Glimp-seq that can analyze tiny samples, like those from biopsies or blood tests, to help doctors detect cancer more accurately.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $230,010 |
| NIH project number | 1R61CA297947-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancer or those at high risk of developing cancer, particularly if they have limited or degraded tissue samples available for analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer who have sufficient high-quality tissue samples may not benefit from this specific research focus.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the ability to profile 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in clinical samples, which is crucial for understanding and tracking cancer development. It aims to develop a new sequencing platform called Glimp-seq that can analyze degraded DNA from small samples, such as those found in formalin-fixed tissues and cell-free DNA. By utilizing innovative enzymatic reactions, this approach seeks to provide more accurate and sensitive detection of cancer-related changes in the DNA, potentially leading to better diagnostic methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer detection methods, allowing for earlier diagnosis and better treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing DNA profiling techniques, but this specific approach using glycosylase-based sequencing is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Weixin — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Tang, Weixin
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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.