How extra or missing chromosomes disrupt cell rest and renewal using baker's yeast
Understanding how aneuploidy disrupts quiescence in the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Researchers are using baker's yeast to learn how having too many or too few chromosomes harms cells, with the goal of helping people affected by Down syndrome and cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158863 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses wild strains of budding yeast that carry extra chromosomes to see how chromosome imbalances change nutrient responses and the ability of cells to enter quiescence, a resting and repair state. Scientists compare multiple genetic backgrounds and different chromosome amplifications to find shared problems like incomplete cell-cycle arrest. Because many basic cell mechanisms are conserved, findings in yeast can point to the pathways that make aneuploid cells sick or allow cancer cells to tolerate extra chromosomes. The team aims to reveal cellular defenses and vulnerabilities that could guide future research relevant to human aneuploid conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by aneuploid conditions, such as individuals with Down syndrome or patients whose tumors have extra chromosomes, would find this research most relevant and could follow its progress or be candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to chromosome number abnormalities (for example, single-gene disorders without aneuploidy) may not see direct relevance from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to biological pathways to target for reducing aneuploidy-related harm and inform strategies for cancers and conditions like Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Yeast has a strong track record for revealing basic cell biology relevant to humans, and while yeast models have informed aneuploidy research before, focusing on how aneuploidy disrupts quiescence is a newer and less-tested angle.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gasch, Audrey — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gasch, Audrey
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.