How the huntingtin protein affects DNA repair and chromatin in brain cells
Regulation of HTT-mediated DNA damage repair and chromatin remodeling Complexes
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON · NIH-11173866
Researchers are exploring how the huntingtin protein influences DNA repair and chromatin structure in nerve cells to help people with Huntington's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GALVESTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11173866 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks inside neurons to see how normal and mutant huntingtin (HTT) influence repair of DNA breaks and the way DNA is packaged (chromatin). The team will study enzymes like PNKP and modifiers such as PIAS1 and SUMOylation that change how the repair machinery works. They will use patient-derived neurons, mouse models, and molecular labs to map which protein interactions and modifications matter most. The goal is to understand the molecular steps that lead to damage accumulation in Huntington's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with Huntington's disease (or family members) willing to provide samples such as blood or skin for patient-derived cell studies.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate therapeutic benefit or symptom relief are unlikely to benefit directly because this is preclinical laboratory research focused on mechanism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets to protect neurons and eventually slow or delay Huntington's disease onset or progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and patient-derived cell studies have shown mutant huntingtin can impair DNA repair and that modifiers like PIAS1 affect repair activity, but translating those findings into treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
GALVESTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON — GALVESTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SARKAR, PARTHA S — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON
- Study coordinator: SARKAR, PARTHA S
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.