Why chromosomes shatter in cancer cells
Mechanisms of Chromosome Shattering from Defective DNA Replication
Researchers are looking at how mistakes when DNA is copied cause chromosomes to violently break apart in ways that can drive many cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses cell models where mis-segregated chromosomes become trapped in micronuclei and then undergo catastrophic shattering (chromothripsis), reflecting events seen in many tumors. The team runs pooled CRISPR/Cas9 genetic screens to turn off DNA repair genes and discover which factors control this chromosome damage. They unexpectedly found multiple components of the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway are required and are working to define how mitotic entry causes a second wave of damage. Understanding these steps could guide future strategies to block or exploit chromothripsis in cancer treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients directly, but people with tumors that show chromothripsis or complex genomic rearrangements would be most likely to benefit from future therapies informed by these findings.
Not a fit: People with cancers that lack complex chromosome rearrangements, or those seeking immediate treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets to prevent or treat cancers driven by catastrophic chromosome rearrangements.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have documented chromothripsis across many tumor types and linked DNA damage to it, while applying CRISPR screens to implicate the Fanconi anemia pathway is a relatively new and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ly, Peter — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ly, Peter
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.