Understanding how DNA repair proteins help reprogram cells
Official title: Overcoming epigenetic barriers to somatic cell reprogramming by the XPC DNA repair complex
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10980661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called XPC helps turn regular body cells into special cells that can become any type of cell, which is important for future treatments in medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $358,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM152463-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in regenerative therapies or those with conditions that could benefit from advancements in cell reprogramming.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cell reprogramming or those not interested in experimental therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific DNA repair protein, XPC, in the process of reprogramming somatic cells into pluripotent cells, which can develop into any cell type. The study focuses on how XPC works with another enzyme, TDG, to remove chemical tags from DNA that prevent gene activation. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how cells can be directed to change their fate, which is crucial for advancements in regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved techniques for generating pluripotent cells, which have significant implications for regenerative medicine and treating various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of DNA repair mechanisms in cell reprogramming, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fong, Yick Wah — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fong, Yick Wah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Delivery (RESPOND) for Guatemala
A lightweight, AI-enabled prehospital training and triage program helps volunteer firefighters in Guatemala deliver faster, better care to trauma patients.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Notification in Guatemala
A mobile, AI-powered training and triage program helps volunteer emergency responders in Guatemala provide faster, safer trauma care and notify hospitals more quickly.
-
Understanding antibiotic allergy to improve care for patients
Scientists are testing new ideas to understand why some people develop severe allergic reactions to antibiotics and how to prevent or treat them.
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.