How a protein complex helps protect DNA from damage in cancer cells
Official title: Maintenance of genome integrity by the SMC5/6 complex during deaminase-mediated mutagenesis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11048652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein complex helps keep DNA safe in cancer cells that have a lot of mutations, especially focusing on how another enzyme can cause DNA damage, with the hope of finding new ways to protect DNA in these cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 21, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $303,842 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM153923-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers characterized by high mutation burdens, particularly those influenced by the APOBEC3A enzyme.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers are not associated with APOBEC3A-related mutagenesis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the SMC5/6 complex helps maintain the integrity of DNA in cancer cells that experience high levels of mutation. It focuses on the role of the APOBEC3A enzyme, which can cause DNA damage through a process called cytidine deamination. By studying this mechanism, the research aims to uncover how the SMC5/6 complex can mitigate the harmful effects of this enzyme, potentially leading to new strategies for protecting genomic stability in cancer cells. The approach involves using models from budding yeast to understand the cellular responses to DNA damage and the protective roles of specific proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of DNA repair and mutagenesis can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Abby Margaret — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Green, Abby Margaret
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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.