Keeping chromosomes intact
Maintaining the integrity of a genome
This work explores how proteins and DNA structures at centromeres hold sister chromosomes together to prevent errors that can lead to cancer or reproductive aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stowers Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142649 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map how the cohesin protein complex and DNA catenation create unique patterns of sister-chromatid cohesion at individual human centromeres using molecular assays and 3-D imaging in human cells. They will compare cohesion features across different chromosomes to identify which make a chromosome more or less prone to mis-segregation. The team will test how altering cohesion affects chromosome segregation and double-strand break repair to build a detailed molecular model. The goal is a clearer picture of the molecular causes of chromosome instability that underlies some cancers and age-related reproductive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by cancers linked to chromosome instability or by age-related reproductive decline are the most relevant group who might one day benefit or be asked to provide samples for related work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to chromosome instability (for example, acute infections or metabolic issues) are unlikely to directly benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to detect, prevent, or treat disorders driven by chromosome instability, including some cancers and reproductive aging.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research in cells and model organisms has shown cohesin and centromere defects cause chromosome-segregation errors, but this project applies novel single-centromere mapping approaches in human cells.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerton, Jennifer L — Stowers Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Gerton, Jennifer L
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 below.