Using DNA twisting to improve cancer and antibiotic treatments
Harnessing Supercoiling to Regulate DNA Activity
Researchers are studying how the natural twisting of DNA affects enzymes and medicines that target DNA, aiming to help people with cancer and serious infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146426 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how DNA’s natural twists and tight loops change when enzymes called topoisomerases and certain drugs bind to it. Scientists will use tiny engineered DNA circles as models and capture structures with high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy and cryo-tomography. They will measure interactions using lab techniques like gel separation, fluorescence assays, and ultracentrifugation, and explore using engineered DNA circles as gene therapy carriers. The team will also look for unusual DNA shapes linked to human disease to guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers treated by topoisomerase-targeting drugs or patients willing to donate blood or tissue samples for lab research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions do not involve DNA-targeting drugs or DNA-structure-related mechanisms are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better-targeted cancer drugs, improved antibiotics, or new gene therapy delivery methods.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that target topoisomerases are already used in cancer and some infections, but applying supercoiling-focused imaging and engineered DNA minicircles is a newer laboratory approach under development.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zechiedrich, Lynn — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zechiedrich, Lynn
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.