Controlling APOBEC3-driven mutations in cancer
Regulation of APOBEC3 cytidine deaminase-induced mutation during cancerdevelopment
Researchers are looking at why APOBEC3 enzymes cause mutations in cancers like breast cancer and how cells normally keep them in check.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B enzymes make the common APOBEC mutation patterns seen in human cancers using cancer cell models and molecular methods. They will map the specific insertion/deletion and base-change mutations caused by these enzymes and identify the transcription factors and signaling pathways that raise A3A levels in tumors. They will test how the proteasome controls A3A protein abundance and what happens when that degradation is defective. They will also examine how DNA repair proteins such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 limit APOBEC3-driven mutagenesis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—especially those whose tumors show APOBEC mutation signatures or have BRCA1/2 involvement—would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers lack APOBEC mutation patterns or people without cancer are less likely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to reduce mutation rates in tumors and slow cancer progression or therapy resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has identified APOBEC mutation signatures and linked A3A to cancer mutations, but controlling A3A via transcriptional or proteasomal mechanisms is a more recent and developing area.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Steven a — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Steven a
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.