# Core2:  Transcriptomics and Chromatin Structure

> **NIH NIH U54** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2022 · $335,405

## Abstract

Genomic and Chromatin Analysis Core (Core B): SUMMARY
 The Genomic and Chromatin Analysis Core (Core B) will provide services to Projects 1 and 2, in collaboration
with Core A, focusing on the role of alterations in transcriptional patterns induced by intravascular stress and
extravasation on extravascular survival, dormancy, and outgrowth. GCC will be responsible for analyzing
transcriptional and chromatin events that are affected by and may affect tumor cell vascular and transmigration
processes isolated in Projects 1 and 2. GCC will deploy state-of-the-art technologies, including single-cell mRNA
sequencing, genome mapping (e.g., Hi-C), and the nanoscale imaging of chromatin structural and molecular
states, and these results will be used for computational modeling of the mechanical properties and the signaling
pathways involved in mechano-adaptation and chromatin perturbation (Core A).
 In the bloodstream and during extravasation, tumor cells are exposed to a variety of physical stressors,
including mechanical damage due to shear stress and passage through narrow capillaries with substantial
nuclear deformations. It is not fully understood how mechanical stress and the resulting chromatin derangement
and transcriptional alterations affect the ability of tumor cells to form metastases, lead to aggressive disease,
develop dormancy, and foster their overall survival ability.
 Core B will provide genomic and chromatin analyses that will enable the Projects to begin addressing these
long-standing questions on the consequences of mechano-adaptation in metastasis. Core B will leverage single-
cell mRNA sequencing for transcription analysis as well as genome mapping (Hi-C, whenever possible, or Low-
input Hi-C) and a unique suite of nanoscale imaging technologies (3-D chromatin scanning transmission electron
tomography, optical single-molecule nanoscopy, and optical spectroscopic nanosensing) for chromatin
conformation analysis on cells generated by the model systems in the Projects. Furthermore, the data on
chromatin structure, including genome mapping and chromatin conformation imaging, will be provided to Core
A to enable the modeling of the mechanical and phenotypic properties of metastasizing tumor cells. Beyond the
scope of the U54 Center and upon completion of the Projects, the normalization of transcriptional reprogramming
might be explored for therapeutic targeting of metastasis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10490298
- **Project number:** 5U54CA261694-02
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Franziska Michor
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $335,405
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-17 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10490298

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10490298, Core2:  Transcriptomics and Chromatin Structure (5U54CA261694-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10490298. Licensed CC0.

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