How the DNA-repair protein Pol β helps keep DNA accurate
Fidelity Mechanisms of DNA Polymerase Beta
This work looks at how a DNA-repair enzyme called Pol β picks the right DNA building blocks during repair, which can affect mutation risk and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the human DNA polymerase beta (Pol β) using biochemical and structural lab experiments to see how it selects the correct nucleotide during base excision repair. They will examine how mistakes by Pol β can create mutations after oxidative DNA damage from normal metabolism, radiation, or chemotherapy. The team uses purified proteins, biochemical assays, and structural approaches to observe enzyme behavior and the molecular steps that lead to correct or incorrect incorporation. Findings will also connect Pol β activity to processes that generate immune diversity and to DNA gap-filling pathways linked to genomic stability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients, but it is most relevant to people with cancer or those at higher risk of cancer who want to follow research on mutation causes.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or clinical care will not directly benefit because the work is laboratory-based and aimed at basic understanding rather than offering therapies now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help researchers develop strategies to reduce harmful mutations or design therapies that limit mutation-driven cancer development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biochemical and structural studies of DNA polymerases have clarified enzyme mechanisms, but translating that knowledge into clinical interventions to lower mutation rates is still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sweasy, Joann B. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sweasy, Joann B.
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.