FANCM-targeted therapy for BRCA1-linked breast and ovarian cancer
Therapeutic potential of FANCM for BRCA1-linked cancer
This project explores whether targeting a DNA-repair protein called FANCM could lead to new treatments for people with BRCA1-related breast or ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189758 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is studying cancers caused by BRCA1 problems that often respond to PARP drugs but can become resistant. They use molecular tools, including CRISPR and a system that creates controlled DNA replication stress, to see how FANCM helps cancer cells survive and form specific DNA changes. The goal is to find ways to block or modify FANCM activity so tumors with BRCA1 defects become more vulnerable to treatment. Most of the work is done in laboratory models and preclinical experiments at Mayo Clinic to identify strategies that could move toward future clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed BRCA1 mutations who have breast or ovarian cancer would be the most likely candidates to benefit from therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: People without BRCA1-related tumors or whose cancers are driven by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or combination therapies to treat or overcome drug resistance in BRCA1-linked breast and ovarian cancers.
How similar studies have performed: PARP inhibitors have helped many patients with BRCA-linked cancers, but directly targeting FANCM is a newer, largely preclinical approach with limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Panday, Arvind — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Panday, Arvind
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.