How changes in DNA shape can lead to mutations and cancer
Role of DNA structural dynamics in mutagenesis and oncogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11050335
This project looks at how shifts in DNA structure cause the kinds of genetic mistakes that can lead to cancer, to help people affected by cancer in the future.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11050335 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work develops new tools to predict and measure when DNA base pairs adopt unusual shapes that make copying errors more likely. The team will map these alternative base-pair conformations across the genome at single-letter resolution in living cells and measure error rates of human DNA-copying enzymes in many sequence contexts. They combine thermodynamic modeling, high-throughput biochemical assays, and genome-wide mapping to link DNA structural dynamics to specific mutational signatures. The goal is to explain why some DNA sites mutate far more often than others and how that contributes to cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with cancer or those at increased genetic risk who can donate tissue or blood samples for molecular analysis.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or cure are unlikely to benefit directly, since this is basic research focused on understanding mutation mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify fundamental causes of cancer-linked mutations and point to new ways to detect, prevent, or target cancers driven by those mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Related biochemical and sequencing studies support the idea that DNA context affects mutation rates, but genome-wide, single-nucleotide mapping of alternative DNA conformations in living cells is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AL-HASHIMI, HASHIM M — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: AL-HASHIMI, HASHIM M
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: Cancer Cause