How BRCA1 and 53BP1 control DNA repair in BRCA-related cancers

Project 2: BRCA1-dependent DNA End Resection and Regulation via the 53BP1 Axis

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11143728

Researchers are looking at how BRCA1 and partner proteins control DNA repair in people with BRCA-deficient tumors to help prevent resistance to PARP inhibitor treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project IDNIH-11143728 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project examines the molecular steps BRCA1 and BARD1 use to enable accurate DNA repair and how the 53BP1 pathway can block or permit that repair. Laboratory work will use cellular and tumor models to follow DNA end resection and the proteins that regulate it. The team will connect these molecular events to why some BRCA-deficient tumors stop responding to PARP inhibitors. Findings could point to markers or targets for future tests or therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with BRCA1- or BRCA2-mutated cancers, particularly those being treated with or who have developed resistance to PARP inhibitors.

Not a fit: People without BRCA-related tumors or those not treated with PARP inhibitors are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could lead to ways to prevent or reverse PARP inhibitor resistance and improve treatment options for people with BRCA-mutant cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies showed BRCA loss makes tumors sensitive to PARP inhibitors and that disrupting the 53BP1 axis can restore repair and cause resistance, but the exact mechanisms targeted here remain to be clarified.

Where this research is happening

San Antonio, 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.