Understanding how certain fats in our cells affect DNA damage and cancer

Neutral Sphingomyelinases and Bioactive Ceramides

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11123885

This research explores how specific fats within our cells, called ceramides, play a role in how our bodies respond to DNA damage, which is important for understanding cancers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11123885 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our cells contain special fats called sphingolipids, including ceramides, which act like messengers. This project aims to uncover the exact ways these fats are made and how they work inside cells, especially when DNA gets damaged. We want to understand how specific enzymes create these ceramides in different parts of the cell and how these fats then trigger important cell responses. By focusing on these detailed mechanisms, we hope to gain a clearer picture of their role in cellular stress and diseases like cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with cancers or conditions involving DNA injury might eventually benefit from treatments developed based on this fundamental understanding.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments would not directly benefit from this foundational laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to target specific cellular pathways involved in DNA damage and cancer development.

How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon strong existing data and aims to define totally unexpected roles for these cellular components, suggesting a blend of established and novel approaches.

Where this research is happening

STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, DNA Injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.