Marquette University biological sciences professor receives $1.2M NIH grant

February 25, 2019


MILWAUKEE – Dr. Edwin Antony, assistant professor of biological sciences at Marquette University, has received a $1,246,735 grant from the National Institutes of Health to further explore how damaged DNA in the cell is repaired. The results of this research could potentially influence the future of cancer treatments.

Defects in DNA repair mechanisms– the tools cells use to fix damage – are associated with high instances of cellular mutations, called genomic instability. This instability is a prevailing cause of cancers and associated disorders.

With this grant, Antony’s research will identify the mechanisms of proteins involved in DNA repair which repair lesions that occur through environmental carcinogens and incorrect DNA replication. The results from the research will lead to a better understanding of how mutations in these enzymes cause cancer in order to better direct therapeutic interventions.

“Understanding the basic mechanisms of DNA repair helps address the root cause of the problem,” said Antony. “This grant will support understanding how cells protect their DNA and will hopefully help the broader science community in its fight against cancer.“

The grant covers four years of this research project.

NIH is the largest provider of public funds for research in the world, investing more than $32 billion annually to enhance life and reduce illness and disability.


About Anne Broeker


Anne Broeker

Anne is a communication specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Anne at (414) 288-7536 or anne.broeker@marquette.edu.