Understanding how telomerase and telomeres work in cells

Structural biology of telomerase and telomeres

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11052579

This study is looking at how telomerase and telomeres work to keep our chromosomes healthy, which could help people with conditions like aplastic anemia and congenital dyskeratosis by leading to better treatments and understanding.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11052579 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the structure and function of telomerase and telomeres, which are crucial for maintaining chromosome integrity. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and NMR spectroscopy, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind telomere replication and the role of specific proteins in this process. Patients may benefit from insights gained about telomere-related diseases, which can lead to improved treatments and understanding of conditions like aplastic anemia and congenital dyskeratosis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to telomere dysfunction, such as aplastic anemia or congenital dyskeratosis.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to telomere biology may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for diseases associated with telomere dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding telomere biology, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Coats plus diseaseCoats plus syndromeCole syndromeCole-Rauschkolb-Toomey syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.