Investigating the effects of ribonucleotides on telomeres
Official title: Structural and Biological Effects of Ribonucleotide Insertion into Telomeres
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10894635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $32,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31GM151815-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or conditions related to telomere dysfunction or genomic instability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to telomere biology or those who are not undergoing cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cortez, Luis Manuel — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cortez, Luis Manuel
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.