How cells protect their DNA and activate the immune system in cancer
Replication fork protection and innate immune response
This work explores how our cells protect their DNA during replication and how this process connects to our body's immune response, especially in conditions like cancer.
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-11168806 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells constantly copy their DNA, and sometimes this process can get stalled, leading to damage. When DNA is damaged or unstable, pieces of it can escape into the cell's cytoplasm, triggering an alarm system that activates the immune response. This project aims to understand the specific ways cells protect their DNA during replication stress and how this protection prevents the immune system from overreacting. By uncovering these connections, we hope to find new ways to target cancer cells or boost the body's natural defenses against them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with various types of cancer, particularly those linked to DNA damage and genome instability.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to DNA replication stress or innate immune activation in cancer may not directly benefit from this specific line of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating cancers by either preventing genome instability or by harnessing the immune system more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown strong evidence that genome instability can trigger an inflammatory immune response, and this work builds on those findings to explore specific protective mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Bin — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wang, Bin
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.