Understanding how cells fix broken DNA
Official title: Defining DNA resection and protein localization changes that occur during DSB repair
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11370441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to understand how our cells choose different ways to fix broken DNA, which is important for preventing diseases like cancer and understanding aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $14,639 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM142975-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
What this research studies
Our bodies' cells constantly face DNA damage, including serious breaks in the DNA strands. This project explores how cells decide between two main repair methods: one that simply glues the ends back together, and another that uses a healthy DNA copy as a template. Understanding this decision-making process is crucial because errors in DNA repair can lead to diseases like cancer and contribute to aging. Researchers hope to create a complete picture of DNA repair to better predict how cells will fix damage and find new ways to treat related health problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat human DNA repair problems, including cancer and issues related to aging.
How similar studies have gone: While other studies have explored aspects of DNA repair, this project aims to create a more comprehensive model of how cells choose between different repair pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richardson, Chris — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Richardson, Chris
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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.