Tools to map how DNA folds inside cells
Developing and democratizing technologies to study 3D genome organization
This project builds easier-to-use lab tools that map how DNA folds in 3D inside human cells to help scientists learn more about cancer and other diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11358285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are improving and simplifying imaging and biochemical methods that show where genes sit in three-dimensional space inside the cell nucleus. They combine advanced fluorescent labeling (multiplexed FISH) with proximity tagging and affinity purification to capture RNAs and proteins that sit near specific genome regions. The team aims to make these methods more robust, scalable, and easier for many labs to use. Over time this could help pinpoint how genome folding goes wrong in cancer and guide follow-up studies using patient samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients directly, but people with cancer who donate tumor or tissue samples to collaborating labs could contribute to related experiments.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct medical benefit should not expect personal clinical benefit from this lab-based methods project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help identify new diagnostic markers or drug targets by revealing how 3D genome folding influences cancer-related gene activity.
How similar studies have performed: Labs have successfully used multiplexed FISH and biochemical proximity methods to map genome structure, and this work builds on those proven techniques while aiming to broaden and simplify them.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beliveau, Brian Joseph — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Beliveau, Brian Joseph
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.