Understanding how a key enzyme repairs DNA damage

Structural determinants of Pol theta function

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10868625

This study is looking at a special enzyme called DNA polymerase θ that helps fix broken DNA, which is really important for keeping our genes healthy, and it's aimed at understanding how this enzyme works so we can learn more about its role in cancer and how to treat it better.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10868625 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on mammalian DNA polymerase θ, an important enzyme involved in repairing DNA double-strand breaks, which are critical for maintaining genomic stability. The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of this enzyme, including its unique structural features and how it interacts with DNA. By analyzing the enzyme's structure and function, researchers hope to gain insights into its role in cancer development and treatment. This work involves advanced techniques such as crystallography to visualize the enzyme's components and their interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers associated with DNA repair deficiencies or those interested in the biological mechanisms of cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA repair or those not diagnosed with cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of DNA repair mechanisms, potentially informing new cancer treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying Pol θ is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.