Understanding how certain enzymes help prevent DNA damage in cancer cells
Official title: Deciphering pathways involved in topoisomerase II turnover
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10992783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain enzymes help manage DNA in our cells and how we can control them to reduce damage, especially during cancer treatment, with the hope of finding better ways to make cancer therapies work more effectively and with fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $452,669 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275712-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing treatment for cancer, particularly those receiving therapies that involve topoisomerase inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not receiving topoisomerase-targeting therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of type II topoisomerases, which are enzymes that manage DNA structure by introducing breaks to relieve tension. The focus is on how these enzymes can be regulated to minimize DNA damage, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. By studying the mechanisms that allow cells to avoid harmful DNA lesions caused by these enzymes, the research aims to uncover new strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that minimize DNA damage and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of DNA repair and the role of topoisomerases in cancer, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Junjie — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chen, Junjie
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.