NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how gene expression is regulated by chromatin

Official title: ILLUMINATION OF CHROMATIN REGULATION VIA CHEMICAL CONTROLLED PROXIMITY

Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11087572 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring how certain proteins help control gene activity in our cells, with the goal of finding new treatments that can stop harmful gene silencing, which could help patients in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$440,289
NIH project number5R35GM148365-03
Project IDNIH-11087572 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or developmental diseases that may be influenced by chromatin regulation.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to chromatin regulation or gene expression may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind how chromatin regulates gene expression, focusing on specific enzymes involved in this process. By using chemically controlled proximity, the researchers can manipulate these enzymes in real-time, allowing for a deeper understanding of gene repression pathways. The study aims to visualize these processes at the single-cell level and develop new drugs that can inhibit unwanted gene repression. Patients may benefit from advancements in drug discovery related to chromatin regulation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cancers and developmental disorders by targeting gene regulation mechanisms.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding chromatin regulation, but this approach using chemically controlled proximity is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hathaway, Nathaniel a. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • Study coordinator: Hathaway, Nathaniel a.

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.