Investigating how certain chemicals damage DNA and lead to cancer

Studies of Chemically Labile Alkylation Damage in DNA

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11101370

This study is looking at how certain chemicals can damage DNA in ways that might lead to cancer, and it aims to help patients understand how these changes happen and how they can be repaired, which could improve cancer treatments and awareness of environmental risks.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-11101370 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how alkylating agents, which are chemicals that can attach to DNA, cause damage that may lead to mutations and cancer. The study specifically examines a type of DNA damage known as N7-alkylguanine adducts, which can interfere with DNA replication and transcription. By developing new technologies to analyze these lesions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind their formation and repair, providing insights into cancer development. Patients may benefit from improved understanding of how certain cancer treatments and environmental exposures can affect their DNA.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals exposed to alkylating agents or those with a family history of cancers related to DNA damage.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of exposure to alkylating agents or related cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for preventing and treating cancers caused by DNA damage.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding DNA damage mechanisms, but this specific approach using 2’-fluorine technology is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Austin, 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 Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer drug
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.