NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

How DNA repair proteins work together to fix damage from UV light and pollution

Official title: DNA repair pathway coordination during damage processing

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11005689 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how certain proteins work together to fix DNA damage caused by things like UV light and pollution, which can lead to health problems like cancer and aging, and the findings could help develop new treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$80,224
NIH project number5F32ES034982-02
Project IDNIH-11005689 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of exposure to UV light or environmental pollutants, particularly those at risk for DNA damage-related conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients with no history of DNA damage or related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how proteins that sense DNA damage cooperate to repair the DNA affected by UV light and environmental pollutants. By examining the interactions between these proteins, the study aims to understand the mechanisms that facilitate the repair of DNA mutations that can lead to serious health issues like cancer and aging. The research employs advanced techniques in single molecule and cell biology to analyze how these proteins bind to damaged DNA and work together to ensure effective repair. Patients may benefit from insights gained into DNA repair processes that could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to DNA damage, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding DNA repair mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and prevention, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Schaich, Matthew Allen — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Schaich, Matthew Allen

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.