DNA 'scissors' that help keep cells' DNA stable and reduce cancer risk
Functional Analysis of Structure Specific Nucleases in Genome Stability and Cancers
Researchers study how enzymes that cut and repair DNA work in cells to help people with cancers, especially prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146348 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists at City of Hope are examining structure-specific nucleases (like FEN1, DNA2, and EXO5) that process DNA during replication and repair. They use biochemical and cellular assays, mouse genetics, and next-generation DNA sequencing to see how defects in these enzymes cause genome instability and cancer. The work focuses in part on how EXO5 handles androgen receptor–induced DNA breaks in prostate cancer. This award supports a senior research scientist contributing across multiple long-running lab projects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers linked to DNA-repair problems—particularly patients with prostate cancer driven by androgen receptor activity—would be the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors are driven by unrelated mechanisms (not DNA-repair defects or androgen receptor activity) are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new markers or targets tied to DNA-repair defects that might improve cancer detection, prevention, or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked nucleases like FEN1 and DNA2 to genome stability and cancer, while the role of EXO5 in androgen receptor–induced breaks is a newer, actively explored area.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Li — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Li
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.