Understanding DNA-PK in Cancer and Blood Cell Development
The role of DNA-PKcs in DNA repair, lymphocyte development, RNA metabolism and tumor suppression
This project looks at how a protein called DNA-PK works in the body to repair DNA and how it might be involved in blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, hoping to find new ways to treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127389 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies constantly repair damaged DNA, and a protein called DNA-PK is a key player in this process. This research explores how DNA-PK functions, not just in DNA repair, but also in how our immune cells develop and how it might contribute to the formation of cancers like lymphoma and leukemia. We are using advanced genetic and cell biology tools to understand DNA-PK's role in these diseases and how existing cancer therapies that target DNA-PK work. By learning more about this protein, we hope to uncover new strategies for treating blood cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with lymphoma or leukemia, or those at risk for these conditions, could potentially benefit from the future therapies developed from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA repair, lymphocyte development, or blood cancers may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of blood cancers and help develop more effective treatments for patients with lymphoma and leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: Inhibitors targeting DNA-PKcs, a component of DNA-PK, are currently being tested in early-stage clinical trials for cancer therapy, suggesting promising prior findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zha, Shan — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zha, Shan
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.