Understanding how TRIP13 contributes to radiation resistance in oral cancer
Official title: Elucidating the Molecular Mechanism of TRIP13-mediated Radiation Resistance in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11080749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called TRIP13 that helps some oral cancer cells survive radiation treatment, and by understanding how it works, the researchers hope to find ways to make these tumors more responsive to radiation, which could lead to better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $57,774 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DE030686-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of TRIP13, a protein that helps cancer cells repair damage caused by radiation, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). By exploring the molecular mechanisms behind TRIP13's function, the study aims to uncover why some tumors resist radiation treatment, which is a common therapy for OSCC. The researchers will focus on how TRIP13 interacts with DNA repair processes, particularly the non-homologous end joining pathway, to enhance the survival of cancer cells after radiation exposure. This understanding could lead to new strategies that make tumors more sensitive to radiation, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved radiation therapies for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing tumor recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting DNA repair mechanisms can enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hutchinson, Marsha-Kay Norissa Deanna — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Hutchinson, Marsha-Kay Norissa Deanna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Oral cancer recurrence predictor using tumor microbes and gene activity
This NIH grant explores how bacteria and immune signals inside oral cancer tumors relate to whether the cancer comes back, with the aim of making a practical risk predictor for patients.
-
Reducing bacteria inside oral cancer tumors to boost immune response
In people with head and neck cancer, this study tests whether lowering bacteria in tumors can help the immune system fight the cancer better.
-
REASON Score: an epigenetic and clinicopathologic approach to predict survival risk in early oral cancer
A new biomarker-based score using DNA methylation and clinicopathology to predict survival risk for people with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma.
-
New vulnerability in oral cancer linked to p53 loss
A cancer research grant is exploring a surprising weakness in head and neck cancer to help people with HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinoma.
-
Mouth bacteria that may speed up oral cancer
This work looks at whether specific mouth bacteria help oral squamous cell carcinoma grow and spread in people who have or are at risk for oral cancer.
-
Targeting a stress-specific function of a DNA replication protein to boost oral cancer therapy
A short, targeted NIH grant explores a new way to make existing treatments work better for oral cancer by attacking a special function of a DNA replication protein that cancer cells rely on.
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.