Investigating how stress on DNA can improve cancer and antibacterial drug effectiveness
Official title: Testing Direct Effects of Topological and Mechanical Stress on Enhancing Anticancer and Antibacterial Drugs that Target Type II Topoisomerases
Funded at U.s. National Heart Lung and Blood Inst · NIH-10499694 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain stresses on DNA can make cancer and antibacterial drugs work better, with the goal of finding safer and more effective treatments for people dealing with tough-to-treat infections and cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Heart Lung and Blood Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM142536-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10499694 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are currently treated with topoisomerase II inhibitors or those suffering from infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or bacterial infections, or those whose conditions are not related to topoisomerase II inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how topological and mechanical stress on DNA can enhance the effectiveness of anticancer and antibacterial drugs that target type II topoisomerases. By studying the molecular mechanisms of these drugs, the research aims to identify ways to improve their efficacy while reducing harmful side effects, such as cardiotoxicity and the risk of secondary malignancies. The approach involves recreating the stress conditions in laboratory experiments to observe how they affect drug binding and action on DNA. This could lead to the development of new drugs that are more effective against resistant bacteria and cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective cancer and antibacterial treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing drug efficacy through similar mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Heart Lung and Blood Inst
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Ian Lewis — U.s. National Heart Lung and Blood Inst
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Ian Lewis
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.