How cells intentionally cut and repair chromosomes
Mechanisms of programmed chromosome breakage
This project looks at how cells intentionally cut and mend their DNA to help prevent problems like cancer, chromosomal birth defects, and infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257356 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, scientists are using simple organisms and cellular experiments to learn how cells make and control deliberate DNA breaks. They focus on two situations where breaks are programmed: during formation of reproductive cells (meiosis) and when cells change the number of ribosomal DNA copies. By studying conserved mechanisms in yeast and other eukaryotic cells, they explore how cells choose when and where to cut DNA, how they select the right repair templates, and how surveillance systems coordinate this with the cell cycle. The goal is to explain how failures in these controls lead to genome instability linked to cancers, birth defects, and infertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers tied to genome instability, individuals with unexplained infertility, or families affected by chromosomal birth defects may find the results relevant, though this is laboratory-based work and not a clinical trial.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or opportunities to join a clinical trial are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic-lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how genome instability begins and point toward new ways to prevent or treat cancers, chromosomal birth defects, and infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Previous yeast and cell-based studies have revealed key DNA repair mechanisms that informed cancer biology, but translating these specific findings to human treatments remains exploratory and longer-term.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hochwagen, Andreas — New York University
- Study coordinator: Hochwagen, Andreas
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.