Understanding how certain cancer cells maintain their telomeres
Official title: Investigating the chromatin landscape of ALT telomeres
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11068972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some cancer cells keep their protective chromosome ends, called telomeres, healthy in a different way than most tumors do, and it focuses on a protein called ATRX to see how its absence might affect cancer growth, helping us learn more about these specific tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA298520-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that exhibit alternative lengthening of telomeres, particularly those originating from mesenchymal tissues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not utilize the alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a specific mechanism that some cancer cells use to maintain their telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. While most tumors reactivate a common method for telomere maintenance, about 15% of them utilize an alternative method known as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The study focuses on the role of a protein called ATRX and how its absence affects the chromatin structure at telomeres, potentially leading to cancer cell growth. By examining the chromatin landscape and the associated molecular changes, the research aims to uncover new insights into the biology of these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting ALT in specific cancers, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding telomere maintenance mechanisms in cancer, but the specific focus on ATRX and its role in ALT is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rex, Madison — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Rex, Madison
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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.