Protecting DNA in brain support cells (glia)
Genome Stability in Glia & Disease
Looking at whether fixing DNA damage in brain support cells could help people with inherited brain conditions like Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144351 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how DNA damage in glial cells (the brain's support cells such as astrocytes and microglia) contributes to neurologic disease. Researchers use modern lab techniques, including ATAC-seq to map chromatin changes and molecular assays of DNA repair pathways, to see how glia respond when genome stability is disrupted. The work connects findings from cells and models to human disease genes linked to Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome and related DNA repair disorders. Understanding glial roles may point to new ways to prevent inflammation and white-matter loss in these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People (or families) affected by Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome or other inherited DNA repair disorders would be the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: Patients without DNA repair–related neurologic conditions or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to see direct therapeutic benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to protect brain support cells and reduce inflammation or white-matter damage in inherited DNA repair disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked DNA repair defects to neuron loss and white-matter problems, but focusing on glial cells is a newer approach with limited prior clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckinnon, Peter J — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mckinnon, Peter J
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.