How human cells make an error-prone DNA repair process accurate
Mechanisms for the high fidelity of translesion synthesis by Y-family DNA polymerases in human cells
This project looks at how human cells make a normally error-prone DNA copying system work accurately so it helps prevent cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235893 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a group of DNA-copying proteins called Y-family polymerases that can copy past damaged DNA but are usually error-prone. They will use experiments in human cells, purified protein biochemistry, genetics, and structural imaging to find other proteins that work with these polymerases and measure how those partners affect copying accuracy. The team will identify the full set of protein partners that form the multiprotein ensemble and test how each component changes mutation rates when DNA is copied across damaged sites. Learning these mechanisms could point to ways to reduce the mutations that drive cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it studies human cells and tissue samples in the laboratory rather than enrolling people.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate changes to their treatment or access to a clinical therapy should not expect direct benefit because this is basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets to lower mutation rates or inform strategies to prevent or treat cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have indicated some partner proteins can change polymerase fidelity, but the complete multiprotein assembly and its mechanisms in normal human cells remain largely uncharacterized.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prakash, Louise — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Prakash, Louise
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.