Understanding how certain cancer cells maintain their telomeres
Investigating the chromatin landscape of ALT telomeres
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 ID | NIH-11068972 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that exhibit alternative lengthening of telomeres, particularly those originating from mesenchymal tissues.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not utilize the alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanism may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
New York, United States
- 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
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.