How DNA 'unwinding' proteins help copy tricky DNA and protect chromosome ends
Functions of DNA helicases at hard-to-replicate sites and telomere regulation
This work looks at whether special proteins called helicases keep DNA copying on track and help protect chromosome ends, which could matter for people with cancer and age-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141120 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study how helicase proteins help cells get past difficult-to-copy stretches of DNA and how proteins at telomeres (the ends of chromosomes) are assembled and regulated. They will use purified yeast and human proteins in test-tube experiments, plus single-molecule and biophysical methods to watch these proteins work in real time. The team aims to understand how helicases and telomere-binding proteins cooperate with DNA-copying enzymes and whether they remove blocks caused by DNA structures or bound proteins. Insights from this basic lab work could point to new ways to protect genome stability linked to cancer and aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers or disorders tied to telomere shortening or genome instability are the patient groups most likely to benefit from future studies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to DNA replication, telomere biology, or genome stability are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal mechanisms that keep chromosomes stable and guide future strategies for cancer or age-related therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown important roles for helicases and telomere proteins in chromosome maintenance, but turning those findings into patient treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galletto, Roberto — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Galletto, Roberto
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.