How DNA Repairs Itself to Prevent Disease

Early events in double-strand break repair in local, genomic and metabolic contexts

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11087615

This project explores how our cells fix broken DNA, which is important for preventing diseases like cancer and inherited genetic conditions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11087615 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies constantly face damage to our DNA, which can lead to serious health problems if not repaired correctly. This work focuses on understanding the very first steps of how cells repair these DNA breaks, specifically looking at how the repair process is influenced by the DNA's location and surrounding environment. By studying these early events, we hope to learn more about why some repairs go wrong, leading to conditions like cancer or genetic disorders. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing new ways to keep our cells healthy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with or at risk for cancer and inherited genetic diseases that involve DNA damage and repair mechanisms could eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to DNA damage and repair pathways are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how DNA damage contributes to diseases, potentially paving the way for new strategies to prevent or treat cancer and inherited genetic conditions.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon many years of basic studies into the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair, suggesting a foundation of prior work in this area.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.