# Genome Stability Program

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2020 · $39,479

## Abstract

Abstract: Genome Stability (GS)
The Genome Stability (GS) Program is devoted to understanding the molecular pathways that maintain
genome integrity, how these processes are altered in cancer cells, and finally how these alterations may be
exploited to kill tumor cells. This program has four broad themes: (1) mechanisms of genome stability, (2)
radiation and oxidative damage, (3) genotoxic stress responses, and (4) aging and cancer. Fundamental
research in genome stability is essential for advancing understanding of the mechanisms of tumor formation
and provides a valuable source of novel targets and strategies for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Significant highlights of the program have been seminal discoveries regarding the action of DNA repair
proteins at the single molecule level, the use of targeted oxidative base damage at telomeres to study
subsequent telomere dysfunction, the role of the alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) pathway in
aggressive neuroblastoma tumors, development of approaches to mitigate radiation damage, mechanistic
insights into cell death pathways including ferroptosis, and the use of ATR inhibitors in conjunction with ionizing
radiation or cisplatin to kill tumor cells through enhanced immune responses. Growth and impact of the
program has been greatly enhanced by recruiting 18 new faculty from across the University of Pittsburgh and
through HCC-supported recruitment. This Program is co-directed by Patricia Opresko, PhD and Bennett Van
Houten, PhD. Dr. Opresko is a Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health who is internationally
recognized for her work on molecular insights into telomere biology and provides important links to Genome
Stability Program (GS) and catchment area scientists. Dr. Van Houten is the Richard M. Cyert Professor of
Molecular Oncology in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and is a world expert on
molecular mechanisms of DNA repair and mitochondrial biology. Their research interests are complementary
and provide strong synergy. Since 2015, the number of faculty working in the area of genome stability and
cancer has increased from 20 to 38 members, from 14 departments and 3 schools within the University of
Pittsburgh and a core group of 13 independent faculty laboratories housed within the HCC Building. GS
members conduct cancer-focused research supported by $6.5M in total annual direct funding of which $2.8M
is NCI funding, $3.4M is other peer-reviewed and $0.3M is non-peer-reviewed. From 2015-August 2019, GS
members published 516 cancer-related publications representing 20% intra-programmatic, 40% inter-
programmatic, and 69% inter-institutional collaborations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10024347
- **Project number:** 2P30CA047904-32
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Patricia L Opresko
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $39,479
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1997-09-10 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10024347

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10024347, Genome Stability Program (2P30CA047904-32). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10024347. Licensed CC0.

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