Understanding and targeting bromodomain 'reader' proteins that control gene activity
Discovering and Exploiting Selectivity within Tandem Bromodomains
This project is creating new chemical tools to understand and block bromodomain proteins that read gene tags, with the goal of helping people with cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259531 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is examining how metabolic changes and disease-linked genetic variants change chemical tags on histones and how bromodomain proteins recognize those tags. They use biochemical experiments, cell models, and animal models to map which bromodomains bind specific acyl-lysine marks and how that alters gene activity and inflammation. The researchers are also developing selective small molecules as starting points for future drugs that target particular bromodomains without hitting others. Results will guide more precise therapies aimed at diseases driven by abnormal bromodomain activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers or inflammatory disorders linked to bromodomain activity, or those willing to donate samples for related research, would be the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic-lab-focused program in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise drugs that target disease-driving bromodomains with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Related bromodomain (BET) inhibitors have entered clinical trials, but selectively targeting specific tandem bromodomains is a newer and more experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Brian Christopher — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Smith, Brian Christopher
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.