# Molecular Genetics Research Program (Project-001)

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2021 · $83,731

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract 
The Molecular Genetics Program has been continuously approved through the NCI CCSG since the USC 
Norris first received NCI designation over 35 years ago. This Program has always been distinguished 
nationally for its strength in DNA replication and DNA repair, with an emphasis on applying discoveries toward 
cancer chemotherapy. During the project period, Preet Chaudhary joined Michael Lieber as Co-Leader to add 
depth in translation and oversee a new theme on the molecular genetics of cancers associated with infection 
by HHV8, including the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of these cancers. The Program 
has three integrated aims: 1) DNA replication, cell cycle, and cell proliferation in genetic instability; 2) DNA 
repair and recombination in genetic instability; and 3) viral oncogenesis with an emphasis on HHV8. Lymphoid 
malignancies are used as a disease model used by Program members for all three aims. Members continue to 
be highly interactive within and across themes and across program boundaries. The 39 Program members, 
who come from three schools and 13 departments, have $11.4M in peer-reviewed funding (direct costs), of 
which 18% is from NCI, 61% from other NIH sources, and 8% from other peer-reviewed funding sources. The 
Program is highly productive with 439 publications of which 21% are inter-programmatic, 15% intra- 
programmatic and 25% inter-institutional. Program Leaders organize retreats and mini-symposia several times 
per year to cross-fertilize research within and across Programs while remaining watchful to ensure a high level 
of member crosstalk. This has led to high success in securing new P01s that are intra- and inter-programmatic, 
while also cross-cutting thematically. Examples include renewal of an NCI P01 on understanding human DNA 
polymerase active sites and development of new chemotherapeutics (Goodman, McKenna, Warshel), and a 
new NCI P01 on viral oncogenesis by KSHV (HHV8) (Jung, Feng, Gao). Members have been particularly 
successful in seeking new cancer drug therapies, which has been achieved with the Translational and Clinical 
Sciences Program.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10303175
- **Project number:** 3P30CA014089-45S7
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** CARYN LERMAN
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $83,731
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 1996-12-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10303175

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10303175, Molecular Genetics Research Program (Project-001) (3P30CA014089-45S7). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10303175. Licensed CC0.

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