How cells copy, pack, and separate their DNA
Mechanisms of DNA Replication, Chromosome Compaction, and Chromosome Unlinking
Researchers are learning how human cells copy DNA and untangle chromosomes to help improve understanding of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311914 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, this work looks at what happens when the cellular machinery that copies DNA runs into obstacles like damaged DNA, stuck RNA machines, or tightly wound DNA. The team uses purified human proteins and cell-based models to watch when and why DNA-copying forks stall, reverse, or restart. They compare different obstacles to see which ones cause dangerous breaks or rearrangements that can lead to cancer. The goal is to move findings from bacterial systems into experiments using human components so results are more relevant to human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Individuals with cancer or people willing to donate tumor or blood samples for laboratory studies of DNA replication would be the most relevant participants or sample donors.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment changes or symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal how DNA-copying problems cause genetic changes in cancer and point to new targets to prevent or treat those changes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic studies have uncovered important DNA repair and replication mechanisms in model systems and human cells, but turning those discoveries into new treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marians, Kenneth J — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Marians, Kenneth J
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.