Genome-wide study of unusual UV DNA lesions in skin cancer
Official title: Genome-wide analysis of the formation and mutagenesis of atypical UV photoproducts in skin cancer
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11368142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying rare UV-induced DNA damages that may drive skin cancer, to understand how these lesions cause mutations in humans.
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 start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 19, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,731,495 |
| NIH project number | 2R01ES032814-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cutaneous melanoma or other UV-related skin cancers.
✕Less likely to help
People without skin cancer or UV exposure are less likely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to identify and characterize unusual UV photoproducts that contribute to skin cancer mutations. It uses advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and NMR to define the exact structures of these lesions. It also plans to map where these atypical lesions occur in yeast and human genomes and to identify which DNA polymerases create mutations when these lesions are encountered. The work could reveal new mechanisms behind melanoma and point toward potential therapeutic or preventive strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how atypical UV damages cause skin cancer could lead to improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings suggest atypical UV photoproducts influence mutagenesis; the approach builds on expanding knowledge in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.