Using chemical tools to understand reversible protein changes called lysine modifications
Chemical Approaches to Understanding Reversible Lysine Modifications
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11320778
This project develops chemical tools to better understand reversible protein changes (lysine modifications) that influence gene control in cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11320778 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are making and using specialized chemical compounds and engineered proteins to copy or block specific lysine changes on histone proteins. They apply these tools to watch how the enzymes that add or remove these marks change chromatin and gene activity in cells and preclinical models. The lab uses techniques like protein semisynthesis and selective inhibitors (examples named A485 and corin) to target particular enzymes and modifications. Results are meant to reveal how these reversible marks affect cancer-related biology and point to new drug targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers thought to be driven by abnormal histone or epigenetic enzyme activity may eventually be candidates for related clinical trials or therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by these specific epigenetic pathways, or people with non-cancer conditions, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets and better drugs that change faulty gene control in some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related chemical probes like A485 and corin have been useful in laboratory and preclinical work, but converting such tools into proven patient treatments remains limited so far.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COLE, PHILIP A — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: COLE, PHILIP A
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 below.
Conditions: Cancers