Turning on fetal hemoglobin by blocking the MBD2-NuRD protein complex
The Role of the MBD2-NuRD Complex in Gamma-Globin Gene Silencing
Testing lab-based approaches to unlock fetal hemoglobin for people with sickle cell disease or beta-thalassemia by disrupting a protein complex that keeps it turned off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11133200 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are searching for small molecules and cyclic peptides that can break key protein-protein interactions in the MBD2-NuRD complex that silence fetal (gamma) globin. They will study how specific mutations and structural features of the complex affect fetal hemoglobin levels in cells and animal models and use that information to guide drug discovery. Most work is done in the lab with molecular, structural, and cellular experiments using human-derived and model systems. Successful drug-like candidates would move toward safety testing and, if promising, future clinical trials that patients could join.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with sickle cell disease or beta-thalassemia would be the likely future candidates for clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients without hemoglobin disorders or those needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to get direct or immediate benefit from this primarily lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce new, widely usable drugs that raise fetal hemoglobin and reduce complications for people with sickle cell disease or beta-thalassemia.
How similar studies have performed: Reactivating fetal hemoglobin is a proven therapeutic strategy (for example, hydroxyurea and some gene therapies), but targeting the MBD2-NuRD complex with small molecules is a newer and largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ginder, Gordon D — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Ginder, Gordon D
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.