Investigating how DNA repair mechanisms prevent mutations caused by environmental toxins
Official title: The mutagenic consequences of replication-coupled DNA repair mechanisms
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10901965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called HMCES helps our cells fix DNA damage from things like pollution and chemicals, which can cause serious health problems, and it hopes to find ways to improve our body's ability to repair DNA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES034058-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to environmental toxins or those with a family history of genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to environmental toxins or do not have genetic predispositions to DNA repair issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain proteins in our cells repair DNA damage caused by environmental toxins like pollution and chemicals. It aims to explore the role of a specific protein, HMCES, in preventing mutations and genomic instability, which can lead to serious health issues such as cancer and developmental disorders. By using advanced techniques like mutagenesis assays and DNA sequencing, the research will provide insights into how our cells maintain genetic integrity in the face of harmful substances. The findings could pave the way for new strategies to enhance DNA repair mechanisms in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential therapies for conditions related to DNA damage, such as cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, making this approach promising but still requiring further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Kavi — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Kavi
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.