Investigating the effects of ribonucleotides on telomeres

Structural and Biological Effects of Ribonucleotide Insertion into Telomeres

NIH-funded research University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10894635

This study is looking at how tiny building blocks called ribonucleotides, which can accidentally get added to DNA, affect the protective ends of chromosomes known as telomeres, and it aims to find ways to keep these telomeres healthy to help improve cancer treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10894635 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how ribonucleotides, which are inserted into DNA during replication, affect the structure and integrity of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. The study aims to understand the role of ribonucleotide excision repair in maintaining telomere health and preventing genomic instability. By examining the impact of these ribonucleotides on telomeres, the research seeks to uncover potential mechanisms that could lead to improved cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about telomere maintenance and its implications for cancer progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or conditions related to telomere dysfunction or genomic instability.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to telomere biology or those who are not undergoing cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of ribonucleotides on general DNA integrity are known, the specific impact on telomeres is less explored, making this research a novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

Kansas City, 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.
Conditions Cancer Biology
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.