Understanding how telomeres affect cancer growth and treatment.
Robust assays to define telomere maintenance mechanisms as cancer biomarkers.
This study is looking at how cancer cells keep their protective chromosome ends, called telomeres, healthy and growing, especially when a common method isn't working, and it aims to help patients understand their cancer better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10917415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes, in cancer cell growth and survival. It focuses on identifying different mechanisms that cancer cells use to maintain their telomeres, particularly in cases where traditional telomerase activity is low or absent. By analyzing specific biomarkers related to telomere maintenance, the research aims to classify various cancers, including neuroblastoma, which could lead to improved prognostic information and treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights into their cancer's biology and potential vulnerabilities that could be targeted for therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with cancers that exhibit alternative telomere maintenance mechanisms, such as neuroblastoma.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve telomere maintenance mechanisms or those with early-stage cancers may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for cancers that are currently difficult to treat.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using telomere maintenance mechanisms as biomarkers for cancer prognosis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Lubbock, United States
- Texas Tech University Health Scis Center — Lubbock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reynolds, Charles Patrick — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Reynolds, Charles Patrick
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.