Finding weaknesses in cancers that use alternative lengthening of telomeres
Official title: Identifying molecular vulnerabilities of ALT-dependent cancers
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11030817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special kind of cancer that uses a unique way to protect its DNA, and by figuring out how it works, the researchers hope to find new treatment options for patients with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,731 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276349-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ALT-dependent cancers, particularly those who have not responded to conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not utilize the alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a specific type of cancer that relies on a unique mechanism to maintain its telomeres, which are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes. By understanding how these cancers operate, the researchers aim to identify molecular vulnerabilities that can be targeted for treatment. They will use advanced techniques, including a customized CRISPR screening platform, to explore these vulnerabilities in cancer cells. This approach could lead to the development of new therapies specifically designed for patients with ALT-dependent cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that improve outcomes for patients with aggressive ALT-dependent cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting molecular vulnerabilities in ALT-dependent cancers is relatively novel, previous research has shown promise in identifying specific vulnerabilities in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
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Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Hongwu — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Hongwu
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.