Why some cancers suddenly scramble their chromosomes
Mechanisms Driving the Rapid Evolution of Cancer Genomes
The team is looking at how certain cancers suddenly break and rearrange chromosomes to help people with cancer understand why tumors can change so quickly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176300 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have cancer, this project explains how a process called chromothripsis can suddenly shatter and rearrange chromosomes in tumor cells. The team uses a single-cell genomics method they developed (Look-Seq) and studies fragile structures like micronuclei and chromosome bridges that expose DNA to damage. They trace two waves of DNA breakage and how fragments are stitched back together into nuclear bodies, producing large genome rearrangements. This step-by-step map could help researchers spot markers of aggressive tumors or find ways to slow rapid tumor evolution.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer—especially those whose tumors show chromosomal instability or rapid progression—could potentially contribute tumor tissue or genetic data to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers lack chromosomal instability or who cannot provide tissue samples are unlikely to see direct benefit from this grant's activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal markers and strategies to predict or slow rapid tumor evolution, which may lead to better treatments in the future.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work has documented chromothripsis and tied it to micronuclei, but this project applies new single-cell genomics to produce a more detailed, stepwise picture.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pellman, David S — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Pellman, David S
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.