How cells pass chromosomes correctly during division
Regulation of chromosome inheritance and integrity
Researchers are using lab systems to uncover how DNA-packaging components keep chromosomes intact, which matters for cancers and rare chromosome-instability conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322031 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses frog egg extracts and advanced 3D imaging to examine nucleosomes and centromere-associated proteins that organize DNA during cell division. The team combines cryo-electron microscopy with nucleosome manipulation methods to visualize chromatin structure and nucleosome dynamics on mitotic chromosomes. They focus on proteins such as HELLS and CDCA7 and on DNA methylation changes that are linked to cancer and to Immunodeficiency-Centromere instability-Facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome. This is basic laboratory research that does not enroll patients, but it could point to new molecular targets for future diagnostics or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers marked by chromosomal instability or individuals with ICF syndrome would be the most relevant future candidates for related clinical follow-up studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or those with conditions unrelated to chromosome instability are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal new molecular targets for diagnosing or treating cancers and genetic chromosome-instability disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related basic-science work using cryo-EM and Xenopus extracts has advanced knowledge of chromatin architecture, but moving from these findings to treatments is still at an early, unproven stage.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Funabiki, Hironori — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Funabiki, Hironori
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.