Understanding how DNA damage affects cancer treatment
Official title: Epigenetic mechanisms controlling single-stranded DNA lesion sensitivity and mutagenesis
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11248962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain DNA damage affects cancer treatments and how repairing that damage might lead to new ways to make those treatments work better, especially for patients using therapies like PARP inhibitors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $19,480 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA285725-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11248962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing treatment for cancers that involve single-stranded DNA lesions, particularly those receiving therapies that induce such lesions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not associated with single-stranded DNA lesions or those not undergoing relevant treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which single-stranded DNA lesions (SSLs) impact the effectiveness of cancer therapies. It focuses on how these lesions are repaired in cells and how this process can lead to mutations that contribute to cancer development. By studying a specific histone variant, macroH2A1, and its role in DNA repair, the research aims to uncover new ways to enhance cancer treatment, particularly in combination with existing therapies like PARP inhibitors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that are more effective at targeting tumors and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding DNA repair mechanisms and their implications for cancer therapy, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oberdoerffer, Philipp — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Oberdoerffer, Philipp
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.