Proteins that open compacted DNA to change cell identity
Transcription Factors Overcoming Chromatin Barriers to Control Cell Fate
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11290750
Researchers are working on ways that gene-regulating proteins unlock tightly packed DNA to turn one cell type into another, aiming to help people with cancers and other diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will study special 'pioneer' transcription factors that can bind DNA wrapped tightly in chromatin and begin the process of turning genes on. They will use biochemical tests, structural studies, single-molecule tracking, genomic profiling (including ATAC and long-read sequencing), and cell reprogramming experiments to see how these proteins overcome barriers like H3K9me3-marked heterochromatin. Most work is done in cells and molecular systems to map the steps that limit successful gene activation and cell-fate change. The results will be used to design more efficient ways to make new cell types for therapies and for improved disease models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer who are interested in future cell-based therapies or in donating tumor or tissue samples to related research efforts are most likely to be connected to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or those without cancers are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make it faster and more reliable to create replacement cell types and disease models that support new cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work, including the PI's decades of research, has shown pioneer factors can target compacted chromatin, but reliably activating genes inside H3K9me3 heterochromatin to reprogram cells remains difficult.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZARET, KENNETH — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: ZARET, KENNETH
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