Developing a new treatment for breast cancer by targeting a specific DNA repair enzyme.

Identification of small molecule inhibitors to exonuclease 1 for breast cancer treatment

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10897870

This study is working on a new treatment that targets a specific enzyme involved in DNA repair, which could help improve options for people with breast cancer by reducing DNA damage in their cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-10897870 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to create a small molecule inhibitor that specifically targets exonuclease 1 (EXO1), an enzyme involved in DNA repair. By using high-throughput screening and various assays, the team will identify and optimize compounds that can inhibit EXO1's activity. This approach is particularly relevant for breast cancer cells, which often have higher levels of DNA damage and replication stress compared to normal cells. If successful, this inhibitor could serve as a new therapeutic option for patients with breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with BRCA1/2 mutations or other related genetic predispositions.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer who are not genetically predisposed or those with non-breast cancer types may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment option for breast cancer patients that specifically targets cancer cell vulnerabilities.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting DNA repair mechanisms in cancer treatment is a well-explored area, the specific approach of inhibiting EXO1 is novel and has not been previously tested.

Where this research is happening

Duarte, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.