Understanding how cells repair DNA damage
Official title: Elucidating the mechanisms underlying DNA double-strand break repair
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11021685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells fix serious DNA damage that can cause health problems like cancer, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how we might improve these repair processes to help patients stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156956-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to DNA damage, including certain cancers and accelerated aging syndromes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no known issues related to DNA damage or those not experiencing accelerated aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells repair DNA double-strand breaks, a severe type of DNA damage that can lead to serious health issues like cancer and accelerated aging. The project aims to uncover the molecular steps involved in the repair process, focusing on how various proteins and enzymes work together to fix these breaks. By using advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers will visualize the assembly and regulation of the repair machinery at the site of DNA damage. This understanding could lead to new strategies for enhancing DNA repair in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to DNA damage, such as cancer and age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soniat, Michael — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Soniat, Michael
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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.