Understanding how the 3D structure of DNA affects gene activity and cell behavior
Official title: The role of genome folding in regulating gene expression and chromatin state
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11001218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way our genes are organized in three dimensions affects how they work, which is important for our health, and it's especially for people interested in understanding how certain proteins help control gene activity in stem cells and other types of cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,010 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152103-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic conditions or cancers that may be linked to abnormalities in gene expression and chromatin organization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene expression or chromatin state, such as purely metabolic disorders, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the three-dimensional organization of the genome and how it influences gene expression and chromatin state, which are crucial for human health and disease. The study focuses on the cohesin complex, a key player in genome organization, and its interactions with various proteins that regulate gene activity. By employing a combination of genetic, biochemical, genomic, and proteomic techniques, researchers will explore how different cohesin complexes affect transcription and chromatin modifications in embryonic stem cells and differentiated cells. This comprehensive approach aims to uncover the mechanisms behind gene regulation and cellular differentiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into gene regulation that may improve treatments for various diseases, including cancers and developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genome organization and its impact on gene expression, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dowen, Jill — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Dowen, Jill
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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.