Investigating how environmental damage affects telomeres

Excision Repair of Environmental Telomere Damage

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11118968

This study is looking at how things in our environment can harm the protective ends of our chromosomes, called telomeres, which might help us understand how this damage can lead to health issues like cancer and other diseases.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11118968 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how environmental factors cause damage to telomeres, which are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes. By using advanced techniques, the researchers aim to identify specific types of damage and how they affect cell function and health. The study employs innovative tools to create targeted DNA lesions at telomeres, allowing for precise observation of their effects on cellular processes. This work could lead to insights into how telomere dysfunction contributes to diseases like cancer and other degenerative conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to environmental factors that may lead to telomere damage, particularly those at risk for degenerative diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to telomere dysfunction or those not exposed to relevant environmental factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diseases associated with telomere dysfunction, such as cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding telomere biology and its implications for health, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior success.

Where this research is happening

PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: cancer cell, Cancer Induction, cancer prevention

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.