How the chromosome centromere is built and works
Genomic Analysis of Centromere Assembly and Function
This project looks at how the centromere — the chromosome region that helps chromosomes split evenly during cell division — is organized and how DNA variation there can lead to chromosome errors linked to infertility, birth defects, and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141106 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are using the newly completed human genome maps and lab experiments to find exactly where centromeres form on human chromosomes. They focus on chromosome 17 as a model and compare different repeated DNA segments called alpha satellite arrays to see which sites attract centromere proteins. In cells, they test how sequence differences in those arrays change protein binding and chromosome stability. The team combines genomic mapping with molecular and cell biology approaches to connect DNA variation to centromere function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with conditions associated with chromosome instability — for example recurrent pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, or cancers with known chromosomal abnormalities — would be most relevant to this line of work if patient samples are collected.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or clinical therapy are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory-focused basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain causes of some chromosome-instability problems and help guide future diagnostics or therapies for infertility, birth defects, and certain cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that centromere location can shift among alpha satellite arrays and that variant arrays can reduce centromere protein binding and stability, so this project builds on established findings using more complete genome maps.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Beth a — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Beth a
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.