Understanding how histidine phosphorylation affects DNA damage repair in cancer cells
Official title: The role of histidine phosphorylation in the DNA alkylation damage response
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11014335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help repair DNA damage in prostate cancer cells caused by common chemotherapy drugs, with the goal of finding better ways to make these treatments work for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,159 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270153-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with neuroendocrine prostate cancer or those undergoing treatment with DNA-alkylating agents.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve DNA alkylation damage or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of histidine phosphorylation in the DNA alkylation damage response, which is crucial for maintaining genomic integrity in cancer cells. The study focuses on how specific proteins, like ALKBH3 and ASCC3, interact to repair DNA damage caused by alkylating agents, commonly used in cancer treatments. By examining prostate cancer cells, the research aims to uncover the regulatory mechanisms of DNA repair pathways, potentially leading to more effective and personalized cancer therapies. The findings could help improve the use of existing chemotherapy drugs and inform the design of new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by enhancing the understanding of DNA repair mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, but this specific focus on histidine phosphorylation in the context of alkylation damage is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pei, Huadong — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Pei, Huadong
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.