Understanding how TREX1 affects DNA breakdown in cancer and autoimmune diseases

Mechanisms of cytosolic DNA degradation by TREX1 in cancer and autoimmune disease

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10823835

This study is looking at how a protein called TREX1 helps our immune system respond to DNA damage, which could help us understand why some cancers and autoimmune diseases can hide from our body's defenses, and it aims to find ways to improve treatment for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10823835 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of TREX1, an enzyme that degrades cytosolic DNA, in the context of cancer and autoimmune diseases. By examining how TREX1 regulates the immune response triggered by genomic instability, the project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow some cancers to evade immune detection. The study will focus on specific elements of TREX1 and their functions, which could lead to new insights into how DNA damage influences disease processes. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their conditions relate to DNA repair mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cancer or autoimmune diseases, particularly those with conditions linked to TREX1 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients without cancer or autoimmune diseases, or those not affected by genomic instability, may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases by targeting the mechanisms of DNA degradation.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response to DNA damage, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 Aicardi Goutieres syndromeAutoimmune Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.