Targeting a key enzyme in ovarian cancer treatment
Official title: Targeting DNA Ligase I in Ovarian Cancer
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11080867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stopping a specific enzyme can help kill ovarian cancer cells, especially those that struggle with repairing their DNA, to find better treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $367,266 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276837-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer, particularly those whose tumors exhibit defects in DNA repair mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those whose tumors do not have DNA repair deficiencies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibiting DNA ligase I, an enzyme crucial for DNA replication, can selectively kill ovarian cancer cells. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which cancer cells, particularly those with defects in DNA repair, respond to this inhibition. By using a combination of genetic and biochemical techniques, researchers aim to uncover how blocking this enzyme affects cancer cell survival and therapy resistance. The goal is to develop a targeted therapy that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for ovarian cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing therapy resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting DNA repair pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomkinson, Alan E — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tomkinson, Alan E
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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.