Understanding DNA Repair in Immune Cells to Prevent Cancer

TOPOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF DNA BREAK REPAIR IN LYMPHOCYTES

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11086709

This research explores how immune cells fix broken DNA, which is important for preventing cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11086709 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies' cells, especially immune cells called lymphocytes, constantly face DNA damage. When DNA breaks, it needs to be repaired perfectly to avoid changes that can lead to cancer. This project looks at how these cells organize their DNA in 3D space to effectively fix these breaks. We are focusing on a key protein called ATM and how it helps create a special environment around broken DNA to ensure proper repair. Understanding these detailed repair mechanisms could help us find new ways to prevent or treat cancers caused by faulty DNA repair.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with conditions related to faulty DNA repair, particularly those affecting immune cells or leading to lymphomas and leukemias, could eventually benefit from this foundational knowledge.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to DNA repair mechanisms or lymphocyte function may not directly benefit from this specific basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new insights into how cancers develop and potentially new strategies for preventing or treating them by improving DNA repair.

How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon existing knowledge of DNA repair pathways and the role of proteins like ATM, but it explores novel aspects of 3D chromatin organization in this process.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.