How BRCA and BARD1 proteins fix broken DNA to prevent cancer
Mechanisms of DNA Homology-directed Genome Repair and Tumor Suppression
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11158738
This work is learning how BRCA1, BARD1, BRCA2 and related proteins fix broken DNA to help people at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158738 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers are purifying BRCA1-BARD1, BRCA2, PALB2 and other proteins so they can watch how these proteins repair DNA damage. They will use structural biology and single-molecule biophysics to see the detailed molecular steps and will work with collaborators at the Mays Cancer Center and other labs. The team will also run chemical screens and synthesize small molecules with a drug-discovery center to create inhibitors as research tools and for preclinical testing. Although primarily lab-based, the findings could point toward new therapies or tests for people with BRCA-related cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known harmful BRCA1, BRCA2, BARD1, or PALB2 mutations or those with BRCA-related breast or ovarian cancer would be most directly connected to this work and to future trials.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are not driven by BRCA-pathway defects or who do not have BRCA-related diagnoses may not see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new drugs or diagnostic tools that better target BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work on BRCA biology has led to successful treatments like PARP inhibitors, but detailed mechanistic studies and new HDR-targeting chemicals remain active and partly novel areas.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUNG, PATRICK — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: SUNG, PATRICK
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer 1 Gene