CAUSE: Linking DNA damage to unexplained cancer mutation patterns
Official title: CAUSE - Connecting DNA Adducts, Unexplained Mutational Signatures, and Cancer Etiologies
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11506149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project to understand why certain DNA changes in cancer happen by tracing the DNA damage and how it leads to the mutations seen in tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,188,689 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA319960-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11506149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for cancers with unexplained mutational signatures or those who have known exposure histories that could relate to DNA adduct formation.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic science research may not directly benefit any individual patient during the study period.
What this research studies
This grant aims to uncover how DNA adducts from normal metabolism and environmental exposures contribute to mysterious cancer mutation signatures. Researchers will map specific DNA damage events to the mutational patterns observed in cancer genomes, exploring how adduct formation, persistence, and repair shape outcomes. Using biochemical assays, model systems, and genomic analyses, the work seeks to connect molecular damage with real-world cancer signatures. The goal is to build a mechanistic picture that explains why some cancers have particular mutation patterns and what this means for prevention and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these connections could lead to better cancer prevention strategies and more targeted therapies by linking DNA damage sources to specific mutation patterns.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that linking DNA damage to mutational signatures is feasible, and this project aims to deepen and mechanistically define those links.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balbo, Silvia — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Balbo, Silvia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating biological markers related to human reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different factors in our bodies affect reproduction and the health of children and teens, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about these important topics by analyzing samples like blood and urine without changing anything in their daily lives.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Understanding how survivorship care plans affect health outcomes for cancer survivors
A study will look at whether survivorship care plans help reduce deaths and improve health for adults who have survived cancer.
-
Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Minnesota Population Center: a hub for migration, family and community data science
A university research center helps researchers study population dynamics by sharing data, training researchers, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
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.