How the WASp protein helps protect DNA during cell copying
Defining WASp-dependent pathways in replication stress
This research looks at how the WASp protein keeps DNA stable during cell replication to help people with Wiskott‑Aldrich syndrome and related cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142670 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or your child has Wiskott‑Aldrich syndrome (WAS), this project aims to explain why cells from people with WAS show more DNA damage. Researchers will use lab models and patient immune cells to recreate replication stress, including treatments that stall DNA copying, and then study proteins like RPA, R loops, and repair pathways. They will map which proteins and pathways rely on WASp to prevent or fix DNA damage and trace how broken DNA is escorted to repair sites. The goal is to reveal molecular steps that could be targeted later to reduce genomic instability in WAS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with Wiskott‑Aldrich syndrome (and potentially family members or carriers) who can donate blood or immune cells for laboratory study, including young children when appropriate consent is provided.
Not a fit: People without WAS or whose conditions are unrelated to replication stress and DNA repair are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to ways to reduce DNA damage and lower cancer risk for people with Wiskott‑Aldrich syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown WASp influences replication stress and RPA functions, but translating these findings into clinical treatments remains novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vyas, Yatin M — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vyas, Yatin M
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.