Understanding how DNA repair mechanisms affect health and disease
Mechanisms of BER in Genomic Integrity and Epigenetic Regulation
This study is looking at how our bodies fix damaged DNA, especially focusing on certain enzymes that help remove harmful changes, and it aims to understand how problems with this repair process might lead to diseases like cancer, which could help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10832039 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the base excision repair (BER) pathway, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our DNA and regulating gene expression. The focus is on how specific enzymes, known as DNA glycosylases, identify and remove damaged DNA bases, particularly those modified by methylation. By studying these processes, the research aims to uncover how deficiencies in DNA repair can lead to diseases such as cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the mechanisms that protect genomic integrity and how they can be targeted for therapeutic interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of cancer or those diagnosed with conditions related to DNA repair deficiencies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA repair mechanisms or those not at risk for genetic mutations may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diseases linked to DNA damage, including various cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drohat, Alex C — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Drohat, Alex C
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 below.