Understanding how DNA damage affects brain cells in Huntington's disease
Official title: Regulation of HTT-mediated DNA damage repair and chromatin remodeling Complexes
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10932368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the huntingtin protein, which is linked to Huntington's disease, affects the way brain cells fix their DNA when it's damaged, with the hope of finding new ways to help keep these cells healthy and functioning better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $646,197 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130839-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Huntington's disease or those at risk due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to DNA damage or those without genetic predisposition to Huntington's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of DNA damage repair mechanisms in neurons, particularly focusing on Huntington's disease. It examines how the huntingtin protein and its mutations influence the repair of DNA double-strand breaks, which are critical for neuron health. By studying the interactions between DNA repair enzymes and the huntingtin protein, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could improve neuronal function and survival in neurodegenerative conditions. The approach includes using advanced genetic and biochemical techniques to analyze the effects of these interactions in both laboratory models and patient-derived cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance DNA repair processes in brain cells, potentially slowing the progression of Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding DNA repair mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Partha S — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Partha S
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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.