Investigating how DNA repair defects affect inflammation and mitochondrial function in bacterial infections.
Official title: Linking defects in DNA polymerase beta to mitochondrial dysfunction and cytosolic nucleic acid sensor in Helicobacter pylori associated inflammation
Funded at Howard University · NIH-10997333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with a specific DNA repair enzyme might cause issues in our cells' energy factories, especially when someone has a Helicobacter pylori infection, and it hopes to help patients understand how these factors can lead to inflammation and health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $415,241 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179899-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Helicobacter pylori infections or those not experiencing chronic inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between defects in DNA polymerase beta and mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly in the context of Helicobacter pylori infections. The study examines how these defects can lead to increased inflammation and damage to mitochondrial DNA, which is crucial for maintaining cellular health. By analyzing the mechanisms of base excision repair, the research aims to uncover how these processes contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases. Patients may benefit from insights into how their immune responses are affected by bacterial infections and DNA repair deficiencies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mitochondrial dysfunction can effectively improve outcomes in similar inflammatory conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kidane Mulat, Dawit — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Kidane Mulat, Dawit
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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.