Understanding how telomerase affects aging and cancer
Official title: Telomerase RNP Prisonbreaks from Phase-Separated Nuclear Body
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11089589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how an enzyme called telomerase helps keep our cells healthy and young, which could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases and cancer, so it's especially for anyone interested in understanding how we can fight these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150538-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing age-related health issues or those diagnosed with cancers that exploit telomerase for growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to telomere dysfunction or those not affected by aging or cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the enzyme telomerase in maintaining telomere length, which is crucial for cellular aging and cancer development. By exploring how telomerase can be modulated, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to either aging-related diseases or cancer growth. The approach includes advanced techniques like next-generation RNA structural profiling to understand telomerase activity and its interactions with other cellular components. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for age-related conditions and cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that address both aging-related diseases and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting telomerase for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Lu — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chen, Lu
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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.