How DNA-cutting enzymes work and are controlled
Molecular mechanisms of modular nuclease domains
Researchers are learning how enzymes that cut DNA are controlled so this knowledge can help people with conditions linked to DNA-repair problems and new antibiotic development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies enzymes called nucleases that cut DNA and are important for DNA replication, repair, and recombination. They use proteins from the DNA mismatch repair pathway to model how a generally nonspecific nuclease can be given precise targets. Experiments combine biochemical and molecular approaches to define the steps that control nuclease activity and how those activities are reused in different cellular processes. The work also considers bacterial nucleases as possible antibiotic targets and how understanding nuclease modules could enable new therapies or biotechnologies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Lynch syndrome or other hereditary colorectal/endometrial cancer syndromes, Huntington’s disease, certain infertility issues, or individuals willing to donate relevant biological samples would be most directly relevant to future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA repair, trinucleotide repeat disorders, infertility, or bacterial infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to treat cancers tied to DNA-repair defects, approaches for repeat-expansion disorders, fertility-related problems, and new antibiotic targets.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biochemical and genetic studies have clarified many DNA repair enzymes, but applying a modular nuclease framework to therapies and antibiotics remains largely exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manhart, Carol M — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Manhart, Carol 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.