Understanding how cells maintain their identity and how to guide cell changes
Dynamic regulation of lineage-specific Polycomb repressive landscapes by pioneer and PRDM transcription factors
This work aims to understand how cells keep their specific roles and how we might guide them to change into different cell types, which could help create new cell-based therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159458 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have a unique identity, like a job description, that tells them what to do. This project explores how cells maintain this identity by controlling which genes are turned off. We are particularly interested in how certain 'pioneer' proteins help to keep unwanted cell identities from forming during development. By using advanced tools like CRISPR interference in human stem cells, we are learning how to precisely control these processes. This knowledge is crucial for developing new ways to reprogram cells for medical treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research uses human stem cells and is not directly recruiting patients, but future applications could benefit individuals needing cell-based therapies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical trial participation would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more reliable and effective methods for cell reprogramming, which has the potential to create new therapies for various diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of pioneer proteins in activating genes is well-known, this project explores their unexpected role in repressing genes, building on existing knowledge with novel findings.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iwafuchi, Makiko — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Iwafuchi, Makiko
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.