How rapidly dividing red blood cell precursors handle DNA damage
The DNA damage response of fast-cycling erythroblasts
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11164623
This project looks at how early red blood cell precursors repair DNA during a very fast growth phase to help understand causes of anemia and related blood problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164623 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the transition of early bone marrow cells (called CFU-e) into maturing red blood cell precursors and focus on a uniquely short DNA replication phase that happens during that switch. They will measure whether the fast DNA copying leads to more mistakes and how the cells respond to DNA damage. Work will use laboratory models of erythropoiesis and may include analysis of human-derived samples to connect findings to human anemia. The goal is to reveal basic cell behaviors that could explain some forms of blood disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with unexplained anemia or other red cell production disorders, and volunteers willing to provide blood or bone marrow samples at a study site.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate treatment or emergency care for severe anemia are unlikely to receive direct or immediate benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biological reasons some people develop anemia and suggest new targets for therapies to improve red blood cell production.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has linked replication stress to blood disorders, but applying this idea to the naturally faster DNA replication phase in normal red cell development is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SOCOLOVSKY, MERAV — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: SOCOLOVSKY, MERAV
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.
Conditions: Cancer Genes, Cancer-Promoting Gene