How cells keep chromosome ends (telomeres) healthy
Regulation of Telomere Maintenance in Fission Yeast
Using a simple yeast model, researchers are learning how cells protect the ends of chromosomes so the findings might help people with cancer or age-related tissue problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176203 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab uses fission yeast as a model to study the proteins that guard chromosome ends, because many of those proteins are similar in humans. They focus on complexes that recruit the enzyme telomerase and block inappropriate DNA repair at telomeres. Experiments examine how these protein complexes and DNA damage signals work together to keep telomeres stable. Results are meant to give basic clues about why cells lose chromosome-end protection in cancer and aging, which can guide later human-focused research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People whose health problems are linked to telomere dysfunction — for example some cancers, certain bone marrow failures, or age-related tissue decline — would find this research most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to telomere biology (such as acute infections or purely structural injuries) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic lab-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new molecular targets to prevent or treat cancers and some age-related tissue disorders by improving telomere maintenance.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies in yeast and human cells have successfully identified many telomere proteins and pathways, but translating those findings into clinical treatments has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nakamura, Toru — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Nakamura, Toru
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.