Understanding how DNA elements interact to regulate gene expression
Official title: Characterizing a mechanism of enhancer-promoter interaction in vivo
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10813713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of our DNA, called enhancers, help control how genes work, using a special mouse model to better understand a new enhancer called the RC element, which could help us learn more about the genetic causes of diseases like cancer and birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,458 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HD112201-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10813713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic conditions or cancers that may be influenced by enhancer activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic regulation or enhancer activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific DNA sequences, known as enhancers, influence the expression of genes from a distance. By using a novel mouse model, the researchers aim to visualize and characterize a newly identified enhancer element called the RC element. The study will explore how this element interacts with promoters, which are regions of DNA that initiate gene transcription, and identify the factors that regulate its function. This work could provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying various diseases, including cancers and congenital disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of gene regulation, potentially informing new treatments for diseases linked to enhancer misregulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have successfully explored enhancer-promoter interactions, indicating potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bower, Grace Cabot — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Bower, Grace Cabot
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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.