Investigating the structure and function of telomeres in cancer cells
Official title: Structure, Accessibility and Extension of Telomeric Overhangs
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-11011213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the protective ends of chromosomes called telomeres, which are important for aging and cancer, to see how they stay stable and accessible, especially in cancer cells, with the hope of finding new ways to treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $546,146 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156183-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with various types of cancer, particularly those whose cancer cells exhibit altered telomere dynamics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose telomere biology is not significantly altered may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the structure and dynamics of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that play a crucial role in cellular aging and cancer. By using advanced techniques like single molecule FRET-PAINT, the study aims to explore how telomeres maintain their stability and accessibility, particularly in cancer cells where telomere length is often preserved. The research will analyze the interactions of telomeric structures with proteins and small molecules, which could lead to new insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting cancer cells by manipulating telomere function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding telomere dynamics, but this specific approach using single molecule techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balci, Hamza — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Balci, Hamza
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.