Understanding how high levels of DNA building blocks affect cancer cell growth

Characterizing the role of Elevated dNTP pools in sensitizing the replisome

NIH-funded research State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10858899

This study is looking at how high levels of DNA building blocks in cells might cause mistakes when DNA is copied, which could lead to cancer, and it aims to find new ways to target cancer cells that use these high levels to grow quickly.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project IDNIH-10858899 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how elevated levels of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs), the building blocks of DNA, impact the accuracy of DNA replication in cells. By examining how these elevated dNTP pools can lead to increased mutation rates and potentially promote cancer, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cancer cell proliferation. The approach involves analyzing the behavior of the replisome, the complex responsible for DNA synthesis, under different dNTP conditions. This could help identify new strategies for targeting cancer cells that rely on these elevated dNTP levels for their rapid growth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers characterized by high mutation rates or those undergoing treatment that affects DNA replication.

Not a fit: Patients with stable, low-mutation cancers or those not undergoing any treatment affecting DNA replication may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target cancer cells by disrupting their DNA replication processes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that manipulating dNTP levels can influence DNA replication fidelity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into cancer biology.

Where this research is happening

Amherst, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.