Why cells stop dividing when chromosome ends (telomeres) get too short
Mechanism of the telomeric proliferation limit
['FUNDING_R01'] · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · NIH-11130568
The team is looking at how the protective chromosome caps and an enzyme called ATM cause normal human cells to stop dividing, which could help people with diseases linked to short telomeres or age-related tissue decline.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11130568 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers grow primary human cells in the lab and shorten their telomeres to find out what makes cells stop dividing. They change levels of a protective protein called TRF2, block the ATM enzyme, and compare cells grown at low (3%) versus normal oxygen to mimic body conditions. The group measures how long cells continue to divide and how ATM responds to damaged telomeres. These experiments aim to identify the molecular triggers that force cells into permanent non-dividing (senescent) states.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with short-telomere syndromes (for example, dyskeratosis congenita) or other conditions linked to telomere dysfunction would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People whose illnesses are unrelated to telomere shortening or cell senescence (for example, many infections or purely structural issues) are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to protect cells from premature aging and guide treatments for disorders caused by short telomeres.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that changing TRF2 or inhibiting ATM can extend how long human cells divide in culture, but translating these findings into patient treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DE LANGE, TITIA — ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DE LANGE, TITIA
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.