How cells fix damaged DNA
Structural and Mechanistic Studies of DNA Repair
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11176306
This project uses high-resolution imaging and lab experiments to learn how the protein machines that repair damaged DNA work, with relevance for cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176306 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work examines the base excision repair proteins that find and fix oxidative damage in DNA and how they operate together, especially when DNA is wrapped in chromatin. Researchers use purified proteins, chromatin or cell-derived models, cryo-electron microscopy, and biophysical measurements to capture structures and interactions at high resolution. The team also studies how telomerase copies chromosome ends to understand repair at telomeres. By revealing step-by-step mechanisms, the project aims to explain how repair failures lead to mutations and cancer and to inform future therapeutic strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no patient enrollment because this is laboratory-based research, but the work is most relevant to people with cancers tied to DNA repair problems.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment options are unlikely to benefit directly since this grant supports basic mechanistic lab research rather than clinical interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to target cancer cells or biomarkers that detect DNA repair defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural and biochemical studies of DNA repair proteins have yielded important insights and supported drug development (for example PARP inhibitors), but the actions of complete repair complexes in chromatin remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER — KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FREUDENTHAL, BRET D — UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: FREUDENTHAL, BRET D
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.
Conditions: Cancers