Tools to map how DNA folds and interacts inside single cells
Model-based methods for single cell chromatin interactomic data
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU · NIH-11131074
This project builds computer tools to read 3D DNA contact maps from single cells so researchers can link disease-related genetic regions to the genes they control.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131074 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will create model-based computational methods to analyze single-cell chromatin contact data (like single-cell Hi-C and methyl-3C) that show how DNA folds and which regions touch each other in individual cells. They plan to handle multi-modal datasets and improve detection of cell-type-specific DNA loops and contacts within complex tissues. The team will test and refine their tools on existing single-cell datasets from disease-relevant tissues to help pinpoint which regulatory elements influence specific genes. Their work is meant to produce software and statistical approaches that other labs can use to interpret genetic variants tied to human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might take part are those willing to donate tissue or blood for single-cell chromatin profiling, particularly patients with conditions linked to noncoding genetic variants.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in genetic or tissue donation or whose conditions are unrelated to gene regulation are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help researchers find which genes are affected by disease-linked noncoding variants and suggest new targets for therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Early single-cell chromatin mapping techniques have produced useful cell-type contact maps, but robust computational models that link those contacts to disease variants are still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HU, MING — CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU
- Study coordinator: HU, MING
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.