Understanding how ribonucleotides affect telomeres and cancer.
Official title: Ribonucleotide Processing in Telomere Maintenance and Integrity
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11072066 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain building blocks in our cells, called ribonucleotides, help keep the protective caps on our chromosomes, known as telomeres, healthy, and how this might be linked to cancer, so we can find better ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,252 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284633-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072066 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of cancer or those at high risk for developing cancer due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those without any known genetic predisposition to cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ribonucleotides in telomere maintenance and their implications for cancer development. Telomeres, which protect the ends of chromosomes, can become damaged and lead to cell aging or death when they shorten. The study aims to explore how the enzyme telomerase, which helps maintain telomere length, incorporates ribonucleotides into telomeres and how this may contribute to genomic instability and cancer. By examining these processes, the research seeks to uncover new insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cancers associated with telomere dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on ribonucleotides in telomeres is relatively novel, previous research has successfully explored telomere biology and its implications for cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freudenthal, Bret D — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Freudenthal, Bret D
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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.