Understanding how oxidative stress affects our genes and health
Mechanistic insight into oxidative stress-mediated genome instability
This research explores how a process called oxidative stress causes changes in our genetic material, which can lead to conditions like cancer and premature aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158817 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our genes can sometimes become unstable, leading to changes that are linked to many inherited diseases, various cancers, and early aging. This instability often comes from problems with parts of our chromosomes, which are like packages of DNA. Many studies suggest that oxidative stress, an imbalance in our body caused by things like pollution or even normal cell processes, plays a key role in these chromosome problems. We want to understand exactly how oxidative stress damages DNA and how our cells try to fix it, especially focusing on certain repair proteins called PARPs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help those affected by inherited diseases, various cancers, or premature aging in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how cancer and aging develop, potentially guiding new ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between oxidative stress and genome instability is known, the exact mechanisms are not clearly understood, making this a novel exploration into fundamental processes.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fouquerel, Elise — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Fouquerel, Elise
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 below.