Investigating the roles of circular DNA in cancer progression and treatment
Biophysical, Topological, and Functional Studies of Endogenous Circular DNAs
This study is looking at a special type of DNA found in our cells that might play a role in how cancer develops and responds to treatment, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about cancer and new ways to fight it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082266 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding endogenous circular DNA elements, known as extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), which are found in various organisms, including humans. The project aims to explore how these circular DNAs contribute to genome dynamics and cellular heterogeneity, which can affect cancer progression and treatment outcomes. By employing a combination of biophysical and genomic techniques, researchers will analyze the properties and functions of eccDNA in human cell lines, providing insights into their role in cancer biology. This innovative approach seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind eccDNA biogenesis and its implications for cancer therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not diagnosed with any form of cancer may not receive benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for cancer treatment by targeting the mechanisms involving circular DNA.
How similar studies have performed: While the study of eccDNA is a rapidly evolving field, the specific biophysical and genomic approaches proposed in this research are relatively novel and have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levene, Stephen D. — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Levene, Stephen D.
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.