Ultra-low-input epigenetic DNA sequencing using enzymatic and long-read methods
Ultra low-input epigenetic sequencing with combined enzymatic and long-read technologies
This project develops a way to read chemical tags on very small amounts of DNA to help detect cancer and study tumor DNA from tiny samples like blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132182 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers are building a gentler lab method that uses enzymes plus long-read DNA sequencing to read epigenetic marks across long stretches of DNA even when only tiny amounts are available. The approach avoids harsh chemical treatments that damage DNA and aims to distinguish closely related DNA tags that current methods can confuse. The team will optimize the workflow so it works with single cells and circulating tumor DNA from blood draws. Ultimately the work is being done in the lab at the University of Pennsylvania and could require donating small blood or tissue samples for testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People being evaluated for cancer or those willing to provide small blood or tissue samples for research, especially for circulating tumor DNA testing, would be the best candidates to participate.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot or will not provide blood or tissue samples, or whose conditions do not involve detectable DNA changes, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this methods-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier and more accurate detection or monitoring of cancer from small blood samples and reduce the need for invasive biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Existing long-read sequencing and enzymatic conversion techniques have shown promise, but combining them for reliable ultra-low-input epigenetic profiling is relatively new and not yet proven in patient samples.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohli, Rahul Manu — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kohli, Rahul Manu
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.