Understanding how certain proteins help repair DNA damage caused by environmental factors
Official title: Shu complex and RAD52 function in DNA damage recognition and subsequent repair
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-10909382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help fix DNA damage caused by harmful substances in our environment, which could help us understand more about cancer and lead to better treatments for people affected by DNA damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES033738-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of cancer or those who have been exposed to environmental factors that may cause DNA damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers unrelated to DNA damage or those not exposed to alkylating agents may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins, including the Shu complex and RAD52, in recognizing and repairing DNA damage caused by environmental alkylating agents. By studying how these proteins interact and function during DNA repair processes, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved understanding of genome stability and cancer development. The approach involves detailed biochemical assays and advanced imaging techniques to observe protein behavior in response to DNA lesions. Patients may benefit from insights gained about DNA repair mechanisms that could inform future therapies for conditions related to DNA damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cancers associated with DNA damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hengel, Sarah R — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Hengel, Sarah R
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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.