Protecting DNA from Stress in Cells
Elucidating the Mitochondrial and Nuclear functions of ATP Synthase Subunit ATP5A1 that Maintain Genome Integrity in Response to Oxidative Stress
This work helps us understand how a specific protein protects our cells' DNA from damage caused by stress, which is important for preventing diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells constantly face stress that can harm their DNA, leading to problems like aging and cancer. This project focuses on a protein called ATP5A1, which seems to play a key role in repairing DNA damage, especially the kind caused by oxidative stress or cancer treatments like radiation. By learning how ATP5A1 works, we hope to find new ways to help cells maintain healthy DNA. This understanding could lead to better strategies for protecting our bodies from disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work could eventually benefit patients with cancer, particularly those undergoing radiation therapy, or individuals with conditions related to cellular DNA damage and aging.
Not a fit: Healthy individuals without specific cellular DNA damage or cancer-related concerns would not directly benefit from this basic science investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect cells from DNA damage, potentially improving cancer treatments and understanding aging.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on a novel discovery of ATP5A1's role in DNA repair, exploring a previously uncharacterized function for this protein in genome integrity.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pfister, Neil Thomas — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Pfister, Neil Thomas
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.