How cells reshuffle and fix DNA during reproduction and routine cell division
Mechanisms of Meiotic and Mitotic Recombination
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11331201
This work looks at how cells repair and exchange DNA during egg/sperm formation and normal cell division to help reduce pregnancy losses, chromosome disorders, and cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11331201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use fruit flies and a mix of lab methods to learn how DNA breaks are fixed and how chromosomes end up with the right number in eggs, sperm, and dividing cells. They combine genetics, biochemistry, cell imaging, genome analysis, and computer modeling to map when crossovers happen or are avoided. A key focus is how large DNA gaps are repaired, which also matters for gene-editing approaches like Cas9. The goal is to explain causes of infertility, miscarriage, chromosomal conditions like trisomy, and chromosome changes that can lead to cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility, or known chromosomal disorders could be among those who benefit from the findings in the future.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory work using fruit flies and molecular methods, patients will not receive direct clinical treatment or immediate health benefits from the grant itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve understanding of causes of miscarriage, infertility, trisomy, and some cancers and guide safer gene-editing strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Decades of basic research have clarified many DNA repair steps, so this work builds on established findings while addressing newer questions about large-gap repair and crossover patterning.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SEKELSKY, JEFF J. — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: SEKELSKY, JEFF 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.
Conditions: Cancers