How the EWSR1 protein helps centromeres keep chromosomes stable
The role of EWSR1 at the centromere
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11309991
This work looks at how the EWSR1 protein helps a key centromere component (CENP-A) stay in place so chromosomes split correctly, which could matter for some cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the researchers are exploring how the protein EWSR1 helps deposit and maintain CENP-A at the centromere so cells divide accurately. They use lab-grown cells and biochemical experiments to see how EWSR1 and the cancer-related fusion EWSR1-FLI1 bind centromeric proteins, RNA, and R-loop structures. The team tests what happens when EWSR1 is missing and how that affects centromere function and chromosome segregation. Their methods include molecular binding studies, cell biology assays, and analysis of centromeric RNA interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers linked to EWSR1 abnormalities (for example Ewing sarcoma) or patients willing to donate tumor or tissue samples for laboratory research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People looking for immediate treatment changes or those with conditions unrelated to centromere biology are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new molecular steps behind chromosome instability in cancers and point to future targets for therapies or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: This builds on recent laboratory findings that connected EWSR1 to CENP-A placement and uses well-established cell and biochemical methods, but the link between EWSR1 and centromere maintenance is a relatively new area.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KITAGAWA, KATSUMI — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: KITAGAWA, KATSUMI
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: Cancers