Investigating the role of centromeres in ovarian cancer
Official title: Centromeres and Ovarian Cancer
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10986684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain DNA sequences in the center of chromosomes might influence how cells divide in ovarian cancer, helping us understand more about the disease and its progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $317,649 |
| NIH project number | 7R21CA259630-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer who may benefit from a deeper understanding of the genetic factors influencing their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without a diagnosis of ovarian cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how centromere DNA sequences affect chromosome segregation and function in ovarian cancer. By examining the composition and organization of centromeric DNA, the study aims to uncover how these sequences contribute to the progression of ovarian cancer. The researchers will employ advanced techniques, including quantitative PCR, to analyze centromere function and its implications for genome stability in cancer cells. This work seeks to fill gaps in our knowledge about centromeres, which are crucial for accurate cell division.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into ovarian cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of centromeres in cancer is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown that understanding genomic instability can lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Contreras, Rafael Alejandro — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Contreras, Rafael Alejandro
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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.