Understanding how gene expression is controlled in cells
Official title: Visualizing mechanisms at the intersection of chromatin, transcription, and epigenetics
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10685736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how genes are turned on and off in cells, especially in cancer, by using a new method to see how the tools that read genes move around without messing things up, which could help us understand what makes cells behave the way they do.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,525,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2ES036404-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10685736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with various types of cancers where gene expression regulation is disrupted.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions or those whose diseases are not related to gene expression dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between chromatin, transcription, and epigenetics that govern how genes are expressed in cells. By using a novel approach called visual biochemistry, the team aims to visualize and analyze how the transcription machinery navigates through chromatin without disrupting its organization. This integrated strategy will help uncover the regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression, which are often disrupted in cancers. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental processes that dictate cell identity and fate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting gene expression in cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation mechanisms, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farnung, Lucas — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Farnung, Lucas
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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.