NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how circular DNAs contribute to cancer development

Official title: Investigating the roles of oncogenic extrachromosomal circular DNAs in cancer

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10889276 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how special circular DNA pieces in cancer cells might help tumors grow and become tougher against treatments, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding more about cancer and finding better ways to fight it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$538,349
NIH project number5R01CA282913-02
Project IDNIH-10889276 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancers that exhibit aggressive characteristics or drug resistance.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cancers or those not exhibiting oncogenic amplification may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of extrachromosomal circular DNAs (ecDNAs) in cancer, focusing on how these circular DNA structures can lead to increased oncogene expression and tumor evolution. By utilizing advanced genetic engineering techniques and mouse models, the study aims to track and manipulate ecDNAs to understand their dynamics during tumor formation and progression. The research seeks to uncover the mechanisms by which ecDNAs contribute to drug resistance and aggressive cancer phenotypes, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating aggressive cancers by targeting the mechanisms driven by ecDNAs.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of circular DNAs in cancer, but this specific approach is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ventura, Andrea — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Ventura, Andrea

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.