Understanding how broken chromosomes lead to cancer development

Mechanisms of Chromosome Shattering from Defective DNA Replication

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11059070

This study is looking into how certain mistakes during cell division can cause DNA to break apart in ways that might lead to cancer, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these changes happen and how they could help improve cancer treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059070 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the process of chromothripsis, where mis-segregated chromosomes break apart and create complex genomic changes that can lead to cancer. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, particularly focusing on how DNA damage occurs during cell division. The goal is to better understand how these genomic alterations contribute to the evolution of cancer and the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, which could ultimately inform new treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers that exhibit complex genomic rearrangements, particularly those with a history of chromosomal instability.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve chromosomal missegregation or those without a genetic predisposition to such alterations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into cancer development and potential therapeutic targets for treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding chromosomal instability and its role in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions cancer cellcancer cell genomecancer genomecancer predispositionCancer Suppressor Genes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.