Understanding how cells repair DNA damage caused by UV light
Official title: Replication-Coupled Repair: a mechanism for surviving UV irradiation
Funded at Portland State University · NIH-10745352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our cells fix DNA damage caused by UV light, which can sometimes lead to cancer, and it aims to find ways to help improve cancer treatments by understanding how these repair processes work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,295 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES034880-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10745352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of skin cancer or those at high risk for UV-induced DNA damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cancer or are not affected by UV-related DNA damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells recover from DNA damage induced by UV radiation, which can lead to mutations and cancer. It focuses on the mechanisms that allow DNA replication to resume after being blocked by damage, particularly examining the roles of specific proteins involved in this process. By exploring how cells manage to repair their DNA accurately, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to prevent genomic instability associated with cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to improved cancer treatments or prevention methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the accuracy of DNA repair in cancer cells, potentially reducing mutation rates and improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, but this specific approach to UV-induced damage is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Portland State University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Courcelle, Justin — Portland State University
- Study coordinator: Courcelle, Justin
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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.