DNA 'untangling' enzymes and their role in cancer
Understanding and exploiting DNA topoisomerases in cancer biology
Researchers are learning how enzymes that untangle DNA affect cancer cells and cancer drugs, with the goal of improving treatments for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175521 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has cancer, this project focuses on enzymes called topoisomerase II that control DNA winding and untangling in cancer cells. The team will use biochemical experiments, structural imaging, computer modeling, and cell-based tests to see how these enzymes work, where they act on chromosomes, and how cancer drugs interact with them. They will also study how cellular metabolism (the TCA cycle) changes enzyme activity and how mistakes by the enzyme can cause DNA damage. The work is lab-based and aims to reveal mechanisms that could guide safer or more effective therapies in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers commonly treated with topoisomerase II–targeting drugs (for example certain leukemias, lymphomas, and breast cancers) or patients willing to donate tumor or blood samples for research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers unrelated to topoisomerase II activity or those seeking immediate new treatment options are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better-targeted cancer drugs or strategies that reduce DNA damage from treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that target topoisomerase II (such as etoposide and doxorubicin) are already used in cancer care, so this work builds on established clinical approaches while addressing new mechanistic questions.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berger, James M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Berger, James M.
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.