Exploring how extra chromosomes affect cell growth in yeast
Official title: Understanding how aneuploidy disrupts quiescence in the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10915564 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having the wrong number of chromosomes affects cells, using yeast as a stand-in, to help us understand similar issues in people with conditions like Down syndrome and cancer, and to find ways to help those cells cope better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,344 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148975-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915564 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with Down syndrome or cancers associated with aneuploidy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to aneuploidy or those not affected by chromosomal abnormalities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model. By studying how these extra chromosomes disrupt normal cellular processes, particularly quiescence, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could be relevant to human health, especially in conditions like Down syndrome and cancer. The approach involves analyzing various yeast strains with different genetic backgrounds to observe shared cellular responses and adaptations. This could provide insights into how cells manage stress from aneuploidy and inform potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of aneuploidy-related conditions, potentially improving treatment options for patients with Down syndrome and certain cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using model organisms like yeast to understand complex cellular processes, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gasch, Audrey — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gasch, Audrey
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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.