NIH-funded research R03 grant

Understanding how APE2 helps repair DNA damage

Official title: Mechanism of APE2 in genome integrity

Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-10754927 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a protein called APE2 to see how it helps fix small breaks in DNA, which can cause problems like cancer and aging, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies keep our genetic material healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of North Carolina Charlotte
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlotte, United States)
Project startDecember 15, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$74,321
NIH project number5R03CA270663-02
Project IDNIH-10754927 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for breast cancer or those experiencing age-related health issues linked to DNA damage.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA damage or those not at risk for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called APE2 in repairing single-strand breaks in DNA, which are common types of damage that can lead to cancer and aging. The study will use advanced laboratory techniques to explore how APE2 interacts with DNA and RNA, and how it helps maintain the stability of our genetic material. By examining these processes in model organisms like yeast and using purified proteins, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind DNA repair. This understanding could provide insights into how to better address DNA damage in human health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating conditions related to DNA damage, such as breast cancer and age-related diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, but the specific role of APE2 in this context is still being explored, making this a novel investigation.

Where this research is happening

  • University of North Carolina Charlotte
    Charlotte, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yan, Shan — University of North Carolina Charlotte
  • Study coordinator: Yan, Shan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding how fetal male germ cells fix DNA breaks

    Researchers are studying how DNA damage in fetal male germ cells is repaired to keep future sperm healthy.

    NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11627830

  • Automated single-cell heart cell measurements to test drugs

    A new automated system will quickly measure electrical signals and beating force in heart cells derived from a patient’s own stem cells to help predict drug safety.

    NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11464806

  • Innate Immune Trigger to Boost Bone Infection Defense

    Researchers are testing a way to wake up the body's own innate immune system to fight stubborn bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, aiming to help people with osteomyelitis fight bacteria more effectively.

    NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11441932

  • Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting

    This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.

    NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11394547

  • Substance P and worsening bone infection from staph bacteria

    Aims to understand if a nerve-related molecule called substance P makes bone infection from Staphylococcus aureus worse.

    NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11384609

  • Deciphering Pemphigus Risk Through Immune Gene Maps

    A study to map the genetic and immune signals that raise the risk of pemphigus, a rare autoimmune skin disease, in adults.

    NIH research University of North Carolina Charlotte · Charlotte, United States · NIH-11382943

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.