Understanding how centromeres maintain chromosome stability
Official title: Maintaining the integrity of a genome
Funded at Stowers Institute for Medical Research · NIH-10884322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a special protein called cohesin helps keep our chromosomes stable during cell division, which is important for preventing health problems like cancer and issues with aging, and it’s designed for anyone interested in understanding how our cells work.
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 start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $358,566 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266339-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of cancer or those experiencing reproductive aging issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable genomes and no history of chromosomal abnormalities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which centromeres contribute to the stability of chromosomes, which is crucial for preventing genome instability. It focuses on the cohesin complex, a protein that plays a key role in ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. By examining how cohesin operates at individual human centromeres, the research aims to create a detailed model of centromeric cohesion and its impact on chromosome stability. This could lead to insights into the origins of various health issues, including cancer and reproductive aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating conditions related to genome instability, such as cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding chromosomal stability through similar molecular approaches, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how centromeres keep chromosomes evenly divided in cancer and aging
A science project aims to map how centromeres and cohesin work together to keep chromosomes stable, a factor linked to cancer and aging.
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Understanding how centromeres affect chromosome splitting in cancer
A research project looks at how centromere DNA and its surroundings influence chromosome separation during cell division, which can go awry in cancer.
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How DNA packaging controls gene activity
Researchers are looking at how proteins that shape DNA packaging change gene activity in cells linked to cancer, hoping to reveal new treatment targets for patients.
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Keeping chromosomes intact
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.
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Understanding How Sensory Hair Cells Grow Back
This project explores how sensory hair cells, which are vital for hearing and balance, can regrow, hoping to find new ways to help people with hearing loss.
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.