High-resolution mapping of missing DNA bases (abasic sites) in the human genome
DNA-Protein Cross-Linking Sequencing for Genome-Wide Mapping of Abasic Sites at Single-Nucleotide Resolution
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11325464
This project is creating a new sequencing method to pinpoint where DNA loses its building blocks in human cells after toxic exposures, which could help people with cancer, aging-related conditions, or DNA repair problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11325464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will build a new laboratory method (DPC-Seq) that captures DNA-protein crosslinks to map abasic sites at single-nucleotide resolution across the human genome. Researchers will expose cells to toxicants and use sequencing plus computational analysis to see where these missing bases appear and how quickly they are repaired. They will also study how chromatin (epigenetic) states change where abasic sites form and are fixed. Finally, they will compare these maps to mutation patterns seen in cancer genomes to link abasic sites to real-world mutation signatures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers associated with DNA repair defects or those willing to donate tumor or tissue samples for sequencing would be the most relevant participants for follow-up studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is a lab-based method-development and discovery project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal where DNA damage that drives aging and cancer happens and point to new biomarkers or targets for prevention and therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Mapping abasic sites at single-nucleotide resolution is an emerging area with limited prior methods, so this approach is relatively novel though built on established sequencing and mutational-signature analyses.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TANG, FENG — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: TANG, FENG
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.