How chromosome end caps (telomeres) stay connected
Mechanisms of Telomere Cohesion
Researchers are looking at how telomeres — the protective end caps of chromosomes — stay paired during cell division to help people with age-related problems and some cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170589 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, scientists are studying the proteins and molecular rings that keep sister chromosome ends together as cells divide. They will use human cells (including cells from older individuals and certain cancers that use the ALT pathway) and manipulate key proteins like tankyrase and shelterin components to see how cohesion is made and resolved. Experiments will include cell-based molecular tests and microscopy to track chromosome behavior and stability. Findings aim to reveal how persistent telomere pairing affects chromosome repair, aging, and tumor cell biology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The most relevant people would be older adults or patients with ALT-positive cancers who can provide blood or tissue samples for laboratory studies.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are unrelated to telomere biology or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent chromosome instability linked to aging and some cancers, informing future treatments or diagnostic tests.
How similar studies have performed: Prior molecular studies have clarified roles for telomere proteins and tankyrase, but applying these insights specifically to telomere cohesion in aging cells and ALT cancers is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Susan — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Smith, Susan
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.