A cellular DNA-sensing link that helps prevent age-related uncontrolled cell growth
A nucleus-to-mitochondria nucleic acid-sensing pathway prevents bypass of age-associated proliferative boundaries
This work looks at how misplaced DNA inside aging cells activates a defense that keeps them from becoming cancerous, which could help people at risk of age-related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study how DNA that escapes the nucleus during aging is detected and how that signal travels to mitochondria to trigger cell-cleanup processes or cell death. They use cell models, CRISPR genetic screens, and molecular assays to follow the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing pathway and autophagy responses when telomeres fail. Experiments will test how turning parts of this pathway up or down affects whether cells escape senescence and become immortalized. The goal is to identify specific molecular steps that could be targeted to prevent early tumor formation linked to aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might participate would be those willing to donate tissue or blood samples for research or to join future prevention trials focused on age-related cancer risk.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate cancer treatment or those with conditions unrelated to aging or cancer are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or detect early age-related cancers and guide therapies that strengthen natural tumor-suppression mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have shown cytoplasmic DNA can activate cGAS-STING and trigger autophagy-mediated cell death, but applying these findings to patient therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karlseder, Jan — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Karlseder, Jan
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.