Predicting how genes control cell-state changes
Computational methods to predict gene regulatory network dynamics and cell state transitions
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11158630
This project builds computer tools that use gene and single-cell data to predict when and how cells change, aiming to help people with cancer and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158630 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing machine-learning and statistical tools that read public genomic datasets, including single-cell and ATAC-seq data, to map how genes turn on and off during cell transitions. They will use time-series data to classify genes by their timing patterns and then infer gene regulatory networks that drive those changes. The team will also create models that link gene activity inside cells with signals exchanged between neighboring cells. Most of the work is computational and uses existing datasets, though it could involve donated samples or shared patient genomic data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer who can share genomic data or donate tumor or blood samples—particularly those with blood (myeloid) cancers or skin-related tumors—would be the most relevant candidates to contribute.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments should not expect direct clinical benefit from this primarily computational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help researchers understand how cancer cells change state and point to new targets for diagnosis or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Related machine-learning work on single-cell genomics has produced useful maps of cell states, but predicting dynamic transitions and the underlying regulatory networks is still an emerging and less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MACLEAN, ADAM L — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: MACLEAN, ADAM L
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 below.
Conditions: Cancers