Understanding how proteins change cell types
Official title: Transcription Factors Overcoming Chromatin Barriers to Control Cell Fate
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11046607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins can help change the way cells behave, which could lead to new ways to create different types of cells for treatments and understanding diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,540 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153180-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from cell-based therapies, such as degenerative diseases or injuries requiring tissue regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve cell differentiation or reprogramming may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific proteins, known as transcription factors, can overcome structural barriers in chromosomes to change the fate of cells. By studying the interactions between these factors and chromatin, the research aims to uncover new methods for generating different cell types that could be used in therapies and disease modeling. The approach combines various techniques, including biochemical assays and genomic sequencing, to provide insights into gene regulation and cellular reprogramming.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more efficient methods for creating new cell types for therapeutic use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding transcription factors and their role in cell fate changes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zaret, Kenneth — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Zaret, Kenneth
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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.