How packaged DNA in our cells detects and repairs damage
Deciphering the chromatin-based DNA damage response pathway
This project looks at how the way DNA is wrapped in proteins inside cells helps spot and fix damage that can lead to diseases such as cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will work in the lab to understand how chromatin — the combination of DNA and its packaging proteins — signals and coordinates repair when DNA is damaged. They will study specific chemical changes to histone proteins and search for new repair proteins using unbiased genetic and biochemical screens. The team will characterize a family of enzymes (RBR-type ubiquitin E3 ligases) and the role of a histone variant called macroH2A in keeping the genome stable. Findings will come from cell and molecular experiments carried out at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers or inherited DNA-repair disorders would be the most relevant patients for future studies or sample donation related to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA damage or repair mechanisms (for example, purely structural heart defects) are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets for therapies or diagnostics that reduce harmful mutations and improve outcomes in cancers and other diseases linked to DNA-repair problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that histone changes and many DNA repair proteins matter for genome stability, but this project aims to define new mechanisms and previously uncharacterized repair enzymes.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leung, Justin Wai Chung — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Leung, Justin Wai Chung
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.