Controlling PARP-1 at DNA break sites
Tuning PARP-1 retention and release on DNA breaks
Researchers are testing ways to control how the DNA-repair protein PARP-1 sticks to and releases from broken DNA to help improve treatments for cancers and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11505689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how PARP-1, a protein that helps fix broken DNA, attaches to and then lets go of damaged DNA. Scientists will study PARP-1 behavior using purified proteins and cellular models in the lab to identify the molecular rules that govern its retention and release. Findings are intended to point to new ways to fine-tune drugs that target PARP-1 or to design better therapies with fewer side effects. The work is laboratory-based at the University of Pennsylvania and does not provide direct treatment to participants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers already treated with PARP inhibitors (for example BRCA-related ovarian or breast cancer) or individuals willing to provide tumor or blood samples would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to DNA repair mechanisms or those seeking immediate clinical benefit are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to improved PARP-targeted therapies that work better or cause fewer side effects for people with certain cancers.
How similar studies have performed: PARP inhibitors have helped patients with BRCA-associated cancers, but this project studies a less-explored molecular detail—how PARP-1 remains bound to or releases from DNA.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Black, Ben E. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Black, Ben E.
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.