Understanding how certain DNA repair processes lead to genetic instability
Official title: Mechanistic insights into translesion synthesis-dependent genome instability
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10898893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain processes in our cells can go wrong and lead to diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on a specific protein called REV1 that helps fix damaged DNA, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $378,240 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150992-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, or other conditions linked to DNA instability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable genetic conditions or those not affected by DNA damage-related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind genome instability, which is linked to various diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. It focuses on the translesion synthesis (TLS) pathway, particularly the role of the REV1 polymerase, which helps bypass DNA damage and fill gaps in DNA replication. By exploring how REV1 influences cellular processes like autophagy and cell death, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that better manage or prevent diseases associated with DNA mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chatterjee, Nimrat — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Chatterjee, Nimrat
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Diet-friendly gut bacteria: testing high-fiber ideas to boost infection resistance
A researcher team will test how high-fiber foods and specific dietary fibers can help the gut microbiome protect against gut infections using a fast, lab-based model.
-
Co-treated care for substance use and heart infection at UVMMC
A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
-
Adipose tissue and its role in lung cancer cachexia
A new NIH grant explores how fat tissue around the body may feed lung cancer growth and drive weight loss, with the aim of finding ways to help patients who struggle with cancer cachexia.
-
Accessing strained rings and heterocycles to make new bacterial metabolites and building blocks
Scientists are developing new ways to make unusual ring-shaped molecules to create rare bacterial metabolites and ready-to-use chemical building blocks that could influence health.
-
Gene expression marks high risk for very late breast cancer return
A patient-focused study aims to find gene patterns that identify women with early breast cancer who are most likely to have cancer come back more than a decade later.
-
Healthy Brain and Child Development study across 27 sites
A nationwide study follows mothers and infants from pregnancy through early childhood to map how genes and environments shape brain development and behavior.
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.