Understanding how cells repair severe DNA damage
Official title: Structure and Mechanism of Non-Homologous End Joining
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11251396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells fix serious breaks in their DNA, which is important for keeping us healthy, and it aims to help us understand how mistakes in this repair process might lead to diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $203,968 |
| NIH project number | 7R01GM135651-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to DNA damage or instability, including certain cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA repair mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process by which cells repair double strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, which are critical for maintaining genomic stability. The study focuses on the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, a primary mechanism that cells use to fix these breaks without needing a template. By using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers aim to visualize the key steps involved in this repair process, which could lead to a better understanding of how errors in DNA repair contribute to diseases like cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for treating diseases associated with DNA damage, such as cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, making this approach promising for further advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Yuan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: He, Yuan
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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.