Mapping where a DNA chemical mark called ADP‑ribosylation appears
DEVELOP GENOMEWIDE TECHNOLOGY TO PROFILE DNA ADP-RIBOSYLATION
This project is creating new lab methods to find a DNA chemical mark that affects DNA repair and could help people with infections or cancer in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is developing two lab techniques to locate a DNA modification called ADP‑ribosylation across whole genomes. They will use a well‑known bacterial enzyme (DarT) as a model and adapt tools that previously mapped similar protein modifications. One method will use high‑throughput Illumina sequencing to pinpoint exact sites, and the other will use nanopore sequencing to detect the chemical mark directly on long DNA stretches. Together these methods aim to show where this DNA mark occurs so researchers can study its role in DNA repair and responses to infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by conditions tied to DNA repair (for example certain cancers) or by infections where ADP‑ribosylation is relevant, and who are willing to donate samples to research, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes should not expect direct clinical benefits from this lab technology project itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help researchers identify where ADP‑ribosylation happens and open new paths to therapies targeting DNA repair or bacterial defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have successfully mapped protein ADP‑ribosylation and observed DNA ADP‑ribosylation in focused experiments, but genomewide mapping of DNA ADP‑ribosylation is novel and still untested.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leung, Anthony K L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Leung, Anthony K L
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.