Mapping the genetic sequences that control fetal hemoglobin production
Official title: High-resolution functional mapping of non-coding sequences regulating fetal hemoglobin
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11066725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain parts of our DNA can help increase the production of fetal hemoglobin, which is important for improving treatments for conditions like sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, and it uses cutting-edge gene-editing tools to find new ways to help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 25, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,983 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DK142318-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease or beta-thalassemia, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of hemoglobin disorders or those who do not have beta-hemoglobinopathies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific non-coding genetic sequences regulate the production of fetal hemoglobin, which is crucial for treating conditions like sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. By utilizing advanced CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing techniques, the study aims to identify and manipulate these regulatory sequences to better understand their role in hemoglobin switching. This could lead to the development of more effective therapies for patients suffering from hemoglobin disorders. The research focuses on the interaction between DNA-binding transcription factors and these genetic sequences to uncover new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that increase fetal hemoglobin levels in patients with beta-hemoglobinopathies, improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar CRISPR-Cas9 approaches have shown promising results in re-inducing fetal hemoglobin, indicating a potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Becerra, Basheer — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Becerra, Basheer
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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.