How BRCA-related cancers fix dangerous DNA breaks
Regulation of BRCA-dependent Genome Repair via the 53BP1 Axis
This project looks at how the protein 53BP1 changes DNA repair in cells with BRCA mutations to help guide better cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, scientists across seven labs are working together to find out why cells with BRCA problems choose one DNA-repair route over another. They will use purified proteins, structural and biophysical tests, and cell models to map how 53BP1 and related factors control repair and replication forks. Shared laboratory cores will produce high-quality proteins and measure precise interactions to connect molecular details to cell behavior. The work aims to reveal points where drugs might tilt repair away from error-prone pathways in BRCA-deficient tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or tumors described as BRCA-deficient might be eligible to contribute samples or be future candidates for therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients without BRCA-related tumors or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets or strategies to improve treatments for people with BRCA-mutant cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown 53BP1 influences DNA repair choice and affects responses to therapies like PARP inhibitors, and this program builds on that foundation to map the detailed mechanisms.
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.