How Our Cells Repair Damaged DNA
Molecular Mechanisms for DNA Damage Processing by Transcription Machinery
This research explores how our cells fix damaged DNA, which is crucial for preventing diseases like cancer and Cockayne Syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11079475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our DNA can get damaged by many things, and our cells have amazing ways to fix these problems to keep us healthy. One important repair system, called Transcription-Coupled Nucleotide Excision Repair (TC-NER), specifically targets damage in genes that are actively being used. While we know a protein called CSB is key to starting this repair, we don't fully understand how it works. This project aims to uncover the exact steps of how CSB helps move damaged DNA and other proteins to allow for proper repair, which could lead to new ways to fight diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but its findings are relevant to individuals affected by conditions linked to DNA repair defects, such as certain cancers and Cerebro-oculo-facio-skeletal syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by conditions related to DNA repair or transcription errors would not directly benefit from the findings of this specific molecular mechanism research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these repair mechanisms better could lead to new ways to treat diseases caused by faulty DNA repair, such as certain cancers and genetic conditions like Cockayne Syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work has shed light on parts of this process, this project addresses fundamental unanswered questions about the detailed molecular steps of DNA repair.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Dong — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Wang, Dong
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.