NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how oxidative damage to DNA affects gene regulation

Official title: Investigating roles for oxidative guanine damage in transcription regulation

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11031935 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring how a specific kind of damage to our DNA, caused by things like pollution, affects how our genes work and could lead to age-related diseases and cancer, so that we can better understand how to treat these conditions in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startFebruary 13, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$110,568
NIH project number5K99ES035871-02
Project IDNIH-11031935 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related diseases or those exposed to environmental factors that contribute to oxidative stress.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to oxidative stress or age-related diseases may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of oxidative stress on DNA, particularly focusing on a specific type of damage known as 8-oxoguanine. By using a novel system that allows for precise control over the production of this damage, the researchers aim to understand how it influences gene expression and cellular function. The study looks at how oxidative damage can lead to age-related diseases and cancer, particularly in the context of environmental factors like air pollution. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, which could inform future treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related diseases and cancer linked to oxidative stress.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding oxidative damage to DNA can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and prevention strategies.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: De Rosa, Mariarosaria — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: De Rosa, Mariarosaria

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.