How cells fix DNA damage from UV light and chemicals

Integrative Modeling of Biomolecular Machinery in Nucleotide Excision Repair

NIH-funded research Georgia State University · NIH-11256763

Using advanced computer models and lab imaging, researchers plan to map how the cellular machinery repairs DNA damage that leads to conditions like xeroderma pigmentosum and related disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgia State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11256763 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project combines high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy images with computational integrative modeling to build detailed structures of the molecular machines involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Scientists will study proteins and patient-linked mutations that disrupt NER using biochemical experiments and structural data. By piecing together these dynamic assemblies, they aim to explain how specific genetic changes cause diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, trichothiodystrophy, and Amish brittle hair syndrome. The work is laboratory-focused on molecules and cells, not a treatment trial in people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with known or suspected DNA repair disorders (for example xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, trichothiodystrophy, or Amish brittle hair syndrome) would be most relevant to this research.

Not a fit: If you do not have a DNA repair disorder or are seeking an immediate treatment, this basic research is unlikely to provide direct benefit to you.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of NER-related diseases and guide development of better diagnostics and future targeted therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous cryo-EM and biochemical studies have revealed pieces of the NER machinery, and this integrative modeling approach builds on those successes to fill remaining gaps.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Amish brittle hair syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.