Removing proteins stuck to DNA ends
Repair of DNA ends with adducts
This project looks at how a natural enzyme (APE2/Apn2) unblocks damaged DNA ends with proteins attached, which could help people with cancers or inherited DNA repair problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291876 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetic and biochemical lab experiments in cells and model animals to study how enzymes and proteases work together to remove DNA–protein crosslinks caused by pollution or some cancer drugs. They will test which kinds of blocked DNA ends the enzyme can fix and how that activity prevents mutations and cell death. The team works with purified proteins, yeast and mouse models, and DNA-damaging chemicals that mimic real-world exposures. Their goal is to map the basic steps the cell uses to clear these toxic lesions so future therapies can reduce genome instability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving topoisomerase-targeting cancer drugs, patients with inherited DNA repair disorders, or those willing to donate tissue or blood samples for research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct therapeutic benefit from this basic lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide ways to protect cells from DNA damage and inform treatments that cause or target DNA–protein crosslinks, such as certain cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown related enzymes can remove some DNA adducts and APE2-deficient mice show immune and growth issues, but the detailed proteolytic repair pathway remains largely novel and underdefined.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Sang Eun — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Sang Eun
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.