Understanding how cells respond to DNA damage using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Mapping the Cellular Responses to DNA Double-Strand Breaks Using On-Demand CRISPR technologies and High-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11087658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells find and fix serious DNA damage, which can lead to problems like cancer and aging, using advanced technology to see these processes in action, so that we can better understand how to help patients with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150941-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing accelerated aging or related genetic conditions that may involve DNA repair deficiencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA damage or those who do not exhibit accelerated aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cells detect and repair DNA damage, specifically focusing on double-strand breaks, which are a severe form of DNA damage. By utilizing cutting-edge CRISPR technologies and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, the study aims to visualize the dynamics of DNA damage response (DDR) factors in real-time within living cells. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms by which these proteins operate and how they contribute to diseases like accelerated aging and cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the cellular processes that underlie their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for conditions related to DNA damage, such as accelerated aging and certain cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding DNA damage responses, but this specific approach using on-demand CRISPR technologies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Yang — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Liu, Yang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Evaluating a new injectable contraceptive for women
This study is testing a new long-lasting birth control shot called levonorgestrel butanoate, especially for women who are overweight and at risk for blood clots, to see if it works well and is safe without the added hormones found in other methods.
-
Understanding how cells respond to changes in membrane tension
This study looks at how yeast cells react when their outer layer gets stretched or squeezed due to changes in their environment, helping us understand how they stay healthy and function properly.
-
A program to lead and conduct clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers.
This study is all about finding better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and it invites patients to join exciting clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where expert doctors are working together to discover new therapies that could help improve their health.
-
New treatment for high phosphate levels in kidney disease patients
This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis lower their high phosphate levels in the blood by using special materials that can quickly and safely remove excess phosphate, offering a better option than current treatments.
-
Testing new treatments to help manage epilepsy
This study is looking at new treatments and devices to help people with epilepsy, especially those who have trouble with their current medications, to see if they can better control their seizures and improve their daily lives.
-
Exploring how flexible emotion regulation affects stress and emotional disorders in ethnic minority college students
This study looks at how college students from different ethnic backgrounds handle their feelings when faced with everyday stress, like discrimination and money worries, to see how this affects their anxiety and depression, and it aims to provide helpful insights for them.
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.