Reactivating fetal hemoglobin by targeting ZNF410
Targeting ZNF410 for HbF reactivation
Testing whether blocking a protein called ZNF410 can raise fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to help adults with sickle cell disease or β-thalassemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11293442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the protein ZNF410 controls CHD4 and the silencing of fetal hemoglobin using lab-grown human blood cells and animal models. They will examine ZNF410's role during development and normal blood formation to learn when and how it can be safely targeted. The team will test drug-like molecules (IMiD congeners) that can tag ZNF410 for destruction to see if that raises HbF levels. Results will guide the design of new medicines aimed at increasing HbF for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with sickle cell disease or β-thalassemia who are willing to provide blood samples or consider enrollment in future clinical trials are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without hemoglobin disorders and most children (unless later pediatric trials are opened) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-stage work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new, more widely available drugs that turn on fetal hemoglobin and reduce complications of sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia.
How similar studies have performed: Gene therapies that increase HbF by targeting regulators like BCL11A have shown clinical promise, but pharmacologic targeting of ZNF410 is a newer and largely untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bauer, Daniel Evan — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bauer, Daniel Evan
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.