Interpretable computer models for how DNA controls gene activity
Official title: Interpretable Computational Models of Functional Genomics Data
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-11380968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist at Cold Spring Harbor Lab is using advanced computer methods to understand how DNA switches control which genes are read, aiming to reveal clearer rules behind gene regulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $432,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG012131-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population in this grant; basic science findings could inform understanding of human gene regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not the primary aim of this basic science grant.
What this research studies
This project uses deep learning and new interpretable models to study how cis-regulatory elements work together to influence transcription and alternative splicing. It will analyze public ChIP-seq and CLIP-seq data to uncover higher-order interactions among CREs in the genome. The work is designed to translate complex CNN predictions into biologically meaningful insights that could inform future experiments and understanding of gene regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could provide clearer rules for how genes are turned on or off, potentially guiding future therapies that target gene regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show CNNs can predict regulatory activity, but translating models into interpretable biological insights remains challenging and is being actively explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koo, Peter K — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Koo, Peter K
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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.