A new NIH U01 award (U01AL187043) from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, with additional support from the NIH Office of the Director, will fund a multi-institution research effort aimed at improving treatments for accidental radiation exposure. The project is led by contact Principal Investigator Thambi Aroumougame, PhD, with multiple Principal Investigators Dr. Hesham Sadek, MD, PhD, Director of the University of Arizona and Sarver Heart Center, and Dr. Mahmoud S. Ahmed, PhD of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The five-year award began in September 2025 and will continue through August 2030.
The team will study a new class of small molecules called SPLINTS, which strengthen interactions between key DNA repair proteins. Early laboratory work shows that one candidate molecule, MH01, can improve the repair of dangerous DNA double-strand breaks caused by ionizing radiation. In animal studies, treatment with MH01 even 24 hours after lethal whole-body radiation rescued 80% of mice and reduced intestinal damage. However, researchers still need to understand how MH01 works, how the body processes it, and the best dosage for protection.
This project will optimize MH01 treatment, define its mechanism of action, and test its ability to protect the gastrointestinal tract and heart from radiation injury. By improving how cells repair DNA damage, the researchers aim to develop a powerful new medical countermeasure for accidental radiation exposure. If successful, this work could expand the tools available to protect both immediate and long-term health following radiation emergencies.