Molecular switches in chromatin that drive cancer biology
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of chromatin signaling and epigenetic regulation
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11327420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist is studying how chemical marks on DNA and histones control how genes are turned on or off in cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to treat disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $518,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152184-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11327420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancer where chromatin regulation and epigenetic alterations play a role may benefit from future therapies derived from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not guaranteed in the near term; findings may primarily advance basic understanding and future therapeutic development.
What this research studies
This project looks at how DNA methylation and histone modifications impact chromatin structure and gene expression in cancer. Researchers will use advanced biochemical, genomic, and proteomic methods to map how “read,” “write,” and “erase” signals control chromatin behavior over time and in cells. They aim to link these molecular details to how cancer develops and progresses, with the hope of uncovering new therapeutic strategies. The work builds on prior findings about how epigenetic marks are inherited during cell division and how they influence enzyme targeting and activity. Overall, it’s about turning detailed molecular insight into potential approaches to combat human cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new epigenetic targets or strategies for cancer therapy based on chromatin regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that epigenetic regulation of chromatin can influence cancer behavior, supporting the potential of this approach; however, translating these insights into therapies remains ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothbart, Scott — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Rothbart, Scott
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.