Understanding how enhancers control stem cell behavior
Official title: Deciphering enhancer regulation in stem cells
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10915574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of our DNA help control the special abilities of stem cells, which can turn into different types of cells in the body, to better understand how these processes work and what they mean for our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150668-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to stem cell differentiation or cancers that may benefit from enhanced understanding of stem cell biology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to stem cell biology or those not seeking experimental treatments may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of enhancers in regulating the behavior of pluripotent stem cells, which have the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. By examining how epigenetic modifiers influence enhancer activity, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that maintain stem cell identity and their implications for human health. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze the interactions between enhancers and the genes they regulate during cell differentiation and embryonic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for manipulating stem cell behavior, which may improve treatments for various diseases, including cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding enhancer regulation in other contexts, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Kaixiang — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Cao, Kaixiang
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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.