Understanding how genes interact with their regulatory elements in 3D space
Official title: Genetic and Epigenetic Controls of Enhancer-Promoter Interactions
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10842795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of our DNA, called enhancers, help control genes from a distance, which is important for understanding how our bodies develop and how some cancers happen, so that patients can gain insights into the genetic reasons behind these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,033 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM153238-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with developmental abnormalities or cancers that may be linked to genetic regulatory disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic regulation or those not affected by developmental abnormalities or cancers may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genes are regulated by enhancers that can be located far away from the genes they control, particularly in the context of embryonic development and cancer. By examining the 3D structure of the genome, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that dictate how these enhancers and promoters interact. The research employs advanced genomic tools to analyze the genetic sequences and structural features that influence these interactions, which are crucial for proper gene expression. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the genetic causes of developmental abnormalities and cancers linked to these regulatory mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating developmental disorders and cancers by targeting the underlying genetic regulatory mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gene regulation through 3D genome architecture, indicating that this approach has potential for significant discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spitz, Francois — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Spitz, Francois
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Education and violence: Can high-dosage tutoring reduce youth violence
A large study in Chicago schools will test whether high-dosage tutoring for students can lessen youth violence by improving learning and outcomes.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Lens proteins, cell stress, and cataracts in kids and adults
A study aims to understand how lens proteins and cellular stress contribute to cataracts, in both humans and mice, with the goal of guiding prevention or treatment.
-
Understanding how neurons keep their identity and function for life
Scientists are studying how nerve cells maintain their distinctive identity and function from development through aging, using human-derived neurons and a simple worm model to uncover the long-term control of brain cell behavior.
-
Cardiac Sarcomere Protein Quality Control in Health and Disease
A heart-focused study looking at how heart muscle proteins get misfolded and how the cell’s cleanup system might fix this to protect heart function.
-
Communication Bridge: Improving language therapy for people with primary progressive aphasia
A proven language-therapy program called Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia improve and maintain how they communicate with others.
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.