How NUDT16 helps cells fix DNA damage and prevent cancer
The role of NUDT16 in DNA damage response and tumorigenesis
This work looks at how the NUDT16 gene helps cells repair DNA to better understand and eventually help people at risk for DNA-repair related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162404 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research uses laboratory-grown cells and mice that lack the NUDT16 gene to see what goes wrong when the gene is missing. Scientists measure levels and activity of DNA repair proteins such as 53BP1 and BRCA1, track DNA breaks and chromosome abnormalities, and map which repair pathways fail without NUDT16. They also monitor mice for physiological changes like spleen enlargement and tumor formation to link molecular defects to health outcomes. Findings will point to how problems in this pathway could increase cancer risk and suggest targets for future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited DNA repair gene mutations (for example BRCA1) or those with cancers linked to defective DNA repair are most likely to benefit from findings down the line.
Not a fit: Patients with health problems unrelated to DNA repair or cancer are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory and animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new markers or targets that help predict cancer risk or guide development of therapies for cancers tied to DNA repair defects.
How similar studies have performed: Research on other DNA repair proteins (such as BRCA1 and 53BP1) has improved understanding and led to treatments like PARP inhibitors, but the role of NUDT16 is a newer, less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gong, Zihua — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Gong, Zihua
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.