NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how telomeres stay together in human cells

Official title: Mechanisms of Telomere Cohesion - Equipment Supplement

Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11100494 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain proteins help keep the protective ends of our chromosomes, called telomeres, working properly, which is important for understanding aging and cancer, and it involves testing both normal and cancer cells to see how these proteins behave.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startSeptember 11, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$40,352
NIH project number3R35GM149355-02S1
Project IDNIH-11100494 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to cellular aging or cancer, as well as healthy volunteers for comparison.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute conditions unrelated to cellular aging or cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on the mechanisms that help maintain the cohesion of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes in human cells. By utilizing various human cell lines, including both normal and cancerous cells, the research aims to identify the proteins involved in establishing and resolving telomere cohesion. The study employs advanced techniques, including the use of lentiviruses to manipulate protein levels in these cell lines, and relies on a cryogenic storage system to preserve these samples for long-term analysis. The findings could provide insights into cellular aging and cancer biology.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of cellular aging and cancer, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding telomere dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • New York University School of Medicine
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Smith, Susan — New York University School of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Smith, Susan

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.