Understanding how proteins control gene accessibility in cells
Official title: Unraveling the Dynamic Competition Between Activating and Repressive Complexes in Shaping Chromatin Accessibility
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10948740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how two types of protein complexes work together to control whether genes are active or inactive, which is important for understanding how certain diseases, like cancer and developmental disorders, happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $125,000 |
| NIH project number | 1K99GM155610-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations affecting chromatin-modifying complexes, particularly those with cancers or developmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic mutations related to chromatin accessibility or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the competition between two types of protein complexes that regulate chromatin accessibility, which is crucial for gene expression. By examining how these complexes interact and influence each other, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that dictate whether genes are turned on or off. The research employs advanced microscopy and biochemical techniques to analyze these dynamics in both healthy and diseased cells. This could lead to a better understanding of how mutations in these complexes contribute to various diseases, including cancers and developmental disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by chromatin dysregulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding chromatin dynamics, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niekamp, Stefan — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Niekamp, Stefan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.