How chromosomes stay true when cells divide in cancer research
Official title: Regulation of chromosome inheritance and integrity
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11513546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how chromosomes are accurately copied and distributed during cell division to understand and potentially prevent cancer.
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 start | May 1, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $149,980 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM132111-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11513546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals affected by cancers linked to chromosome instability or patients enrolled in related translational studies in oncology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not involving chromosome instability may see limited relevance.
What this research studies
This project uses Xenopus egg extracts to study how nucleosomes—the DNA-wrapping units—are organized and regulated during mitosis. It combines new cryo-EM techniques with a cell-free system to observe the 3D structure and function of chromosomal proteins in real time. By examining centromere repeats, DNA methylation, and the role of factors like HELLS and CDCA7 in chromatin remodeling, the work aims to link chromosome integrity to cancer biology. The findings could reveal new angles for preventing chromosome instability that fuels tumor development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Improved understanding of chromosome stability could lead to better cancer prevention and treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using cell-free systems and cryo-EM has advanced our understanding of chromatin, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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.