Environmental factors affecting BRCA1-related genomic stability in carrier cells
Official title: Environmental factors and compounds affecting the genomic stability in haploinsufficient BRCA1 cells.
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11565332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how environment and diets influence DNA stability in breast cells with one mutated BRCA1 gene, which could affect cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $423,750 |
| NIH project number | 4R01ES034733-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11565332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with germline BRCA1 mutations or who carry haploinsufficient BRCA1 cells, and researchers may study related cell models and patient-derived specimens.
✕Less likely to help
People without BRCA1 mutations or haploinsufficient BRCA1 cells may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project looks at why cells with only one working BRCA1 gene become genetically unstable. It will examine how certain environmental factors impact DNA replication and repair in these cells and how that may lead to mutations and cancer development. The team will test environmental exposures and identify dietary agents that could reduce DNA damage and help maintain genomic stability in BRCA1-affected breast cells. The work aims to map mechanisms behind LOH and mutagenesis in BRCA1 carriers and explore practical ways to lower risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide dietary/environmental choices to lower cancer risk for BRCA1 mutation carriers and inform personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows environmental factors can influence DNA damage in BRCA1-related contexts, but the exact mechanisms in haploinsufficient cells are still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerhardt, Jeannine — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gerhardt, Jeannine
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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.