Understanding how a specific protein helps manage DNA damage in certain immune cells
Official title: Defining WASp-dependent pathways in replication stress
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10900585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called WASp helps immune cells fix DNA damage and stay healthy, especially for people with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, to find ways to boost their immune system and lower their cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $553,687 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177269-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called WASp in managing DNA damage and replication stress in immune cells, particularly in patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). The study aims to uncover how WASp helps prevent harmful DNA structures and facilitates the repair of damaged DNA. By examining the molecular interactions and pathways involving WASp, researchers hope to better understand the genomic instability associated with WAS. This could lead to insights into how to improve immune function and reduce cancer risk in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, enhancing their immune function and reducing cancer susceptibility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding DNA damage responses in similar genetic disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vyas, Yatin M — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vyas, Yatin M
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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.