Ultra-sensitive tools to detect tiny DNA changes linked to cancer
MutSensor System: A Set of Highly Sensitive Mutation Reporters to Dissect Genome Stability in Health and Disease
Researchers are building ultra-sensitive MutSensor tools to find tiny DNA changes in human cells that could help people at risk of cancer in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143277 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will create and deliver tiny 'MutSensor' reporters that can detect DNA mutations at much lower levels than current methods. Scientists will use a genetic writing and delivery system to place these reporters into human and mammalian cells and run large-scale screens that turn genes off and on to see which ones change mutation rates. The team plans to map which genes control how often mutations arise across different human cell types. Understanding these drivers could explain why some tissues develop cancer while others do not.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for providing samples would include people with cancer or those at high risk of cancer who are willing to donate tissue or blood for research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct, short-term benefit because this is laboratory-focused, basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new causes of mutations and point toward ways to prevent or better treat cancers tied to DNA damage.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier mutation-reporter methods exist but are far less sensitive, so this approach builds on prior work with novel technology and promising early data but is not yet proven in patient care.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davoli, Teresa — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Davoli, Teresa
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.