Understanding extra chromosomes and their effects on health
Official title: Investigating supernumerary chromosome biology using the B chromosome model system
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10940940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at extra chromosomes that can cause health problems like infertility and cancer, using fruit flies to learn more about how these extra chromosomes form and act, so we can better understand their impact on human health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155057-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing infertility or those with genetic conditions linked to chromosomal abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any chromosomal abnormalities or related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biology of extra chromosomes, known as supernumerary chromosomes, which can negatively impact human health, including issues like infertility and cancer. By using a model system from fruit flies, researchers aim to explore how these extra chromosomes arise and behave. The study employs advanced DNA sequencing and bioinformatics to uncover the genetic factors involved. This work seeks to fill significant gaps in our understanding of how these chromosomes affect human development and health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the causes of infertility and other health issues related to chromosome abnormalities.
How similar studies have gone: While research on aneuploidy is well-established, the specific focus on supernumerary chromosomes using this model system is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanlon, Stacey L — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Hanlon, Stacey L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New sequencing machine to boost veterinary genomics at CVMDL
A new high-throughput DNA/RNA sequencer will be acquired and put into use at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory to improve how we study and diagnose animal diseases.
-
How IL-10 changes mast cells in allergic reactions
This work looks at how the immune signal IL-10 changes mast cells and their responses in people with food allergies.
-
Optimizing a just-in-time intervention to help MSM access chemsex harm-reduction services
A smartphone app-driven approach tests personalized, timely support to help men who have sex with men access chemsex harm-reduction services and reduce HIV risk.
-
Understanding how vagus nerve stimulation helps stroke recovery to guide better treatments
This NIH grant uses computer models to figure out how brief, task-timed vagus nerve stimulation affects the brain after stroke and helps movement recovery.
-
Targeting c-Myc DNA with next-generation nucleic acid tools in aggressive B-cell lymphomas
This grant tests a new way to slow or stop aggressive B-cell lymphomas by directly targeting the c-Myc gene in patients and model systems using advanced nucleic acid analogs.
-
Soft, bendable 3D electronics and microfluidic micro-labs for drug screening in engineered tissues
A team at the University of Connecticut is building a soft, 3D electronic and microfluidic platform to grow human organoids and test drugs safely and accurately.
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.