Protecting DNA from a cancer-linked mutation enzyme
Maintenance of genome integrity by the SMC5/6 complex during deaminase-mediated mutagenesis
This project looks at whether the SMC5/6 protein complex helps protect cells from DNA mutations caused by the enzyme APOBEC3A, which is linked to many cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323497 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use yeast and human cell models to study how the SMC5/6 complex responds when APOBEC3A causes DNA changes at replication forks. They will perform CRISPR genetic screens and molecular assays to identify proteins and pathways that prevent or repair APOBEC3A-induced damage. Experiments will measure replication stress, DNA repair outcomes, and cell survival after inducing APOBEC3A activity. The lab work aims to map the mechanisms that keep genomes stable when this mutation process is active.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to carry APOBEC-related mutation patterns, or patients willing to donate tumor samples for research on mutation processes, would be most relevant to follow this work.
Not a fit: Patients without cancers involving APOBEC mutational patterns or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to prevent or limit mutation accumulation in cancers, potentially improving future diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have strongly linked APOBEC enzymes to cancer mutations, but using SMC5/6 to protect DNA from this process is a relatively new and exploratory direction.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Green, Abby Margaret — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Green, Abby Margaret
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.