How microtubule regulators help cells repair DNA damage
The novel role of microtubule regulators in the DNA damage response
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11294179
This project looks at how proteins that shape the cell's internal skeleton help repair DNA damage that matters in many cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will follow proteins like Kif2C that move to sites of DNA breaks and study how they change the surrounding chromatin and promote repair. They will use cell models, live imaging, and biochemical experiments to track protein behavior, phosphorylation, and microtubule activity after DNA damage. The team will manipulate these microtubule regulators to see how that alters DNA double-strand break movement and repair outcomes. Findings aim to connect microtubule activity with established DNA damage response pathways linked to cancer therapy response.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers driven by DNA repair defects or tumors with ATM pathway alterations would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People with medical conditions unrelated to DNA damage or cancers driven by completely different mechanisms are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets or strategies to make cancer treatments that damage DNA (like radiation or some chemotherapies) more effective.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has hinted at links between microtubules and DNA repair, but pinpointing Kif2C's role and the specific mechanisms is a newer, less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PENG, AIMIN — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: PENG, AIMIN
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.