How cells start copying DNA and keep the genome stable during development
Developmental control of replication initiation and genome stability
This research explores how cells control the start of DNA copying during development to help prevent the genome damage often seen in cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249119 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are using fruit flies to learn how cells begin DNA replication and protect the genome as organisms develop. They focus on how nuclear pore proteins interact with the Origin Recognition Complex, how the protein Rif1 influences replication starts, and on chemical changes to ORC that alter its activity. Because many core DNA replication mechanisms are shared between flies and humans, these experiments can reveal basic molecular steps that go wrong in cancer. The goal is to build knowledge that could guide future diagnostics or therapies targeting genome instability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients, but people affected by or at risk for cancer are the ultimate audience who could benefit from future advances based on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate changes in their clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused, fruit fly-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover molecular targets or markers that help detect or prevent the genome instability that contributes to cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies in model organisms have identified important DNA replication regulators and informed cancer biology, but translating those findings into human treatments is still early and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nordman, Jared — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Nordman, Jared
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.