How cells clear a DNA-cutting enzyme used by chemotherapy
Deciphering pathways involved in topoisomerase II turnover
Researchers will look at how human cells remove and control a DNA-cutting enzyme targeted by some chemotherapy drugs to help make cancer treatment safer and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229602 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown human cells to find the proteins and pathways that control topoisomerase II, an enzyme that makes temporary DNA cuts and is targeted by drugs like etoposide. The team will use CRISPR-based genetic screens and molecular experiments to identify factors that speed up or slow the removal of topoisomerase II from DNA. They will test how changing these regulators affects DNA damage in cells exposed to chemotherapy-like drugs. The mapped pathways could point to targets for future drugs or strategies to reduce harmful DNA breaks during cancer treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients receiving or scheduled to receive topoisomerase II–targeting chemotherapy (for example etoposide) or those able to donate tumor or blood samples for lab research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with health issues unrelated to cancer or who are not treated with topoisomerase II–targeting drugs are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to reduce harmful DNA breaks from topoisomerase-targeting chemotherapies and improve cancer treatment safety and effectiveness.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown DNA repair systems can handle topoisomerase-induced damage, and applying CRISPR screens to find turnover regulators is a newer, promising preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Junjie — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chen, Junjie
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.