Understanding How Cells Control Their DNA in Cancers
Chromatin Dynamics and Genome Regulation
This work explores how our cells organize their genetic material, focusing on a key protein called H3.3, to better understand its role in human cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11084501 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are made of many different cell types, all originating from the same genetic blueprint, and each cell needs to maintain its unique identity. This happens because our DNA is carefully packaged into a dynamic structure called chromatin, which controls which parts of the DNA are active. This particular project focuses on a special protein, H3.3, which plays a crucial role in how DNA is organized and used. Since changes in H3.3 are found in human cancers, learning more about how it works normally and abnormally could help us understand these diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adult patients with various cancers, as it seeks to understand basic cellular processes that go awry in these conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide fundamental insights into how cancer cells develop and maintain their identity, potentially leading to new ways to target these diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific questions about H3.3's unique contributions are largely unanswered, other studies have shown the importance of chromatin regulation in cell function and disease.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banaszynski, Laura — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Banaszynski, Laura
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.