Exploring how abnormal R-loop formation affects DNA stability
Official title: Investigating the connection between aberrant R-loop formation and genome instability
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10915439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain structures called R-loops can cause problems in our DNA, which might lead to diseases like cancer and neurological disorders, and it aims to find ways to break down the harmful ones to help develop better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM151833-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with genetic predispositions to cancer or neurological diseases linked to DNA instability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA damage or genome instability may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the formation of R-loops, which are structures that occur when RNA binds to DNA, potentially leading to DNA damage and instability. The study aims to differentiate between normal and harmful R-loops and understand how they contribute to conditions like cancer and neurological diseases. By examining the role of specific enzymes that degrade these harmful structures, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could prevent DNA damage. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with genome instability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing DNA damage in patients with cancer or neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding R-loops and their impact on genome stability, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viera, Talysa C — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Viera, Talysa C
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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.