Why DNA methylation goes wrong in cancer
Molecular basis for aberrant de novo DNA methylation in cancer
This project looks at how a DNA-tagging process called methylation gets misplaced in cancers so future treatments can re-activate silenced tumor-suppressor genes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264917 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear how the team studies a key enzyme, DNMT3A1, that places DNA methylation marks and how it is guided to specific gene regions in cancer. They will use lab experiments on cancer cell models and analyses of tumor-derived samples to map where methylation changes occur and which protein domains direct that targeting. The researchers will manipulate DNMT3A1 and related chromatin signals to see if those changes cause promoter hypermethylation and gene silencing. Their work combines biochemical tests, genomic mapping, and analysis of cancer tissue to pinpoint molecular steps that lead to abnormal methylation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with cancers known to show CpG island hypermethylation who can donate tumor tissue or whose samples can be used for research.
Not a fit: People without cancer or with tumors driven mainly by non-epigenetic mechanisms are unlikely to see a direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to reverse harmful DNA methylation and help design targeted epigenetic therapies that restore tumor-suppressor genes.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that lower DNA methylation have helped some blood cancers, but precisely targeting promoter CpG island hypermethylation in solid tumors is still largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Armache, Karim Jean — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Armache, Karim Jean
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.