Using genetic data to better understand and treat cancer
Bioinformatics Analysis of Next Generation Sequencing Data from Cancer Cells
This project uses advanced genetic analysis to find cancer weaknesses that could lead to better treatments for people with cancer, including cancers linked to AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190934 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would benefit from researchers who analyze large-scale genetic data to learn how cancers behave and respond to treatments. The team at Northwestern supports many cancer projects by running next-generation sequencing analyses and other bioinformatics tools. They focus on ideas like activating a natural cancer-fighting mechanism called 6mer seed toxicity, how epigenetic changes turn genes on or off, and how Kaposi’s sarcoma appears in people with HIV, using primary human cell samples and genomic data. Their work helps turn complex genetic signals into findings that could guide future patient tests or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with cancer being treated or followed at Northwestern or partner centers who might donate tumor or blood samples for genetic analysis or join genomic-based follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose conditions are unrelated to genetic or epigenetic features, and those not connected to the participating centers, are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new biomarkers or treatment strategies that improve outcomes for cancer patients, including those with AIDS-related cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic sequencing and bioinformatics have already helped identify actionable mutations and guide treatment in many cancers, though some specific mechanisms studied here, like 6mer seed toxicity, remain early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bartom, Elizabeth Thomas — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Bartom, Elizabeth Thomas
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.