How the DNA-repair enzyme REV1 can drive mutations and affect cell survival

Mechanistic insights into translesion synthesis-dependent genome instability

NIH-funded research University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11136990

This research looks at how the DNA-repair enzyme REV1 changes cell behavior and creates mutations that can lead to cancer and other diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Burlington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11136990 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient point of view, researchers are studying a cell enzyme called REV1 that helps cells copy damaged DNA and can cause new mutations. In the lab they will use cell models and molecular techniques to see how REV1 affects processes like cellular cleanup (autophagy), cell division, and DNA copying stress. The team aims to map the links between REV1 activity, unexpected changes in cell metabolism, and whether damaged cells die or survive. The work could point to new ways to prevent harmful mutations or to make damaged cells more likely to die instead of becoming cancerous.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with cancers or conditions marked by high mutation rates or known DNA-repair defects would be most relevant to future clinical studies building on this work.

Not a fit: People whose illnesses are not driven by DNA damage or mutation processes are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to reduce mutation-driven cancers or to shift damaged cells toward safer outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown TLS enzymes can increase mutations, but the idea that REV1 also controls autophagy, mitosis, and metabolic choices is a newer and less-tested finding.

Where this research is happening

Burlington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions CancersCommunicable Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.