Investigating how DNA damage at telomeres affects aging and cancer
Official title: Understanding and Targeting the R-Loop-Mediated DNA Damage Response at Telomeres
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10905013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damage to the ends of our DNA, called telomeres, affects aging and cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to help protect our cells from this damage, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
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 start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,874 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282939-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing age-related conditions or those diagnosed with cancers that utilize telomere maintenance mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to oxidative DNA damage or telomere biology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how oxidative DNA damage at telomeres contributes to aging and cancer development. By generating reactive oxygen species at telomeres, the study aims to uncover a novel DNA repair pathway that protects cells from oxidative damage. The researchers will explore how this pathway interacts with mechanisms that allow cancer cells to bypass cellular aging, particularly through a process known as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Patients may benefit from insights into how these processes can be targeted for therapeutic interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance cellular protection against aging and improve cancer therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding DNA repair mechanisms related to telomeres, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lan, Li — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lan, Li
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.