How tiny damaged nuclei in cells trigger immune responses and DNA rearrangements
Immune control and genomic instability at micronuclei
Researchers want to learn how small pocket-like bits of DNA inside cells (micronuclei) cause DNA damage and immune signals that matter to people with cancer and immune conditions like Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245717 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, scientists will examine how micronuclei form and why their fragile envelopes often rupture, exposing DNA to the cell. They will follow how the exonuclease TREX1 and other proteins act on micronuclear DNA and how that leads to DNA breaks, rearrangements, and activation of immune signaling (cGAS-STING). The work uses cell models, molecular and imaging techniques, and genetic tools to track DNA damage and immune responses, and may use human-derived samples linked to cancer or immune disease. Findings aim to link basic mechanisms to outcomes seen in tumors and in inflammatory genetic disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with cancers characterized by chromosomal instability or patients with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome who can provide blood or tissue samples for laboratory analysis.
Not a fit: Patients without chromosomal instability, unrelated diagnoses, or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating in this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost anti-tumor immunity or prevent harmful immune activation in diseases like Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that micronuclei can trigger cGAS-STING signaling and that TREX1 can limit this response, but translating these mechanisms into clinical therapies is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maciejowski, John — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Maciejowski, John
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.