How histone H2A variants help cells fix damaged DNA
Shaping DNA Damage Response Networks Via Histone H2A Variants
This project looks at whether variants of the histone H2A protein change how cancer cells repair DNA and respond to radiation and PARP inhibitor treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325022 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will study specific histone proteins (macroH2A variants) that sit on DNA and may change how cells respond to damage. They will use biochemical tests and cultured cancer and non‑cancer cell lines to see how macroH2A works with PARP1 and the enzyme KDM5A at sites of DNA breaks. The team will expose cells to radiation and PARP inhibitors and use complementation experiments to pinpoint the protein interactions, domains, and modifications that matter. Findings are aimed at clarifying why some tumors resist DNA‑targeting treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The results would be most relevant to patients with cancers treated with DNA‑damaging therapies or PARP inhibitors, such as certain breast, ovarian, or prostate cancers.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors are not treated with radiation or PARP inhibitors are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to markers that predict which tumors respond to PARP inhibitors or suggest new targets to improve those therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked histone variants, PARP1, and KDM5A to DNA repair, but applying those findings to predict or change patient treatment responses remains early and somewhat novel.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Kyle M — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Miller, Kyle 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.