Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute received a $133,500 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective May 5, 2026, through February 28, 2028. The research focuses on investigating the chromatin remodeler CHD7 as a regulator of hemoglobin expression, specifically examining the developmental switch from fetal hemoglobin (HBF) to adult hemoglobin (HBA) expression. The project deliverables include mechanistic studies of CHD7 gene selectivity in globin gene regulation and characterization of CHD7's developmental control of expression, with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic targets for treating hemoglobinopathies including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.

This basic biomedical research project aligns with NIDDK's programmatic priorities in fundamental studies relevant to metabolic and hematologic disorders. The research represents an investigator-initiated scientific inquiry into transcriptional and chromatin-based mechanisms underlying hemoglobin development, which may yield insights applicable to gene therapy and small molecule therapeutic development for blood disorders affecting pediatric and adult populations.