Understanding how DNA repair mechanisms work in human cells
Official title: Integrating Genomic Signatures with Functional Analysis of DNA repair
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-10953206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells fix their DNA to keep us healthy and prevent diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration, and it aims to help patients understand their conditions better and find new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,650 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES036696-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions related to DNA repair deficiencies, such as certain cancers or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any known DNA repair issues or those not affected by related diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the various DNA repair pathways that maintain genome integrity and prevent diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. By developing advanced techniques to analyze DNA repair at a single-cell level, the study aims to provide insights into how these pathways function and their current status in human cells. This approach will help identify the relationship between mutational signatures and the functional status of DNA repair, addressing limitations of existing methods. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their disease mechanisms and potential targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating diseases associated with DNA damage.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, but this approach aims to provide novel insights through high-throughput functional assays.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagel, Zachary David — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nagel, Zachary David
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.