How centromeres keep chromosomes in order
Molecular Basis of Centromere Specification and Inheritance
Researchers are looking at how a tiny chromosome region called the centromere and its special protein CENP-A help cells split chromosomes correctly, which matters for people with cancers and other conditions caused by extra or missing chromosomes.
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-11090751 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this project studies the centromere, a small but crucial part of each chromosome that helps cells divide without losing or gaining chromosomes. The team will look at how the centromere is built and copied from one cell generation to the next, focusing on the CENP-A protein and how centromere DNA is read and arranged. They use lab experiments with cells and molecular and microscopy techniques to map centromere structure and the rules that place CENP-A in the right spots. Understanding these basic steps may explain why chromosomes go awry in cancer and other aneuploid conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People whose cancers show chromosomal instability, or individuals affected by conditions tied to aneuploidy who are willing to provide samples for laboratory study, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic laboratory research rather than a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal molecular targets or biomarkers to help detect or eventually reduce chromosome mis-segregation in cancers and other aneuploid disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown CENP-A is essential for centromere identity, but how CENP-A is assembled and how centromere transcription is regulated remains incompletely understood, so this work builds on established findings while addressing open questions.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Fei — New York University
- Study coordinator: Li, Fei
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.