How BRCA2 and 53BP1 control the RAD51 DNA-repair machinery
Project 3: Antagonistic Mechanisms of BRCA2 and the 53BP1 Axis in RAD51 Nucleoprotein Filament Assembly
This project explains how the BRCA2 and 53BP1 proteins change RAD51 activity during DNA repair to help people with BRCA-related cancer risk.
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-11143733 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are following the step-by-step process cells use to fix dangerous DNA breaks and how BRCA1/BRCA2 and 53BP1 affect that process. They will use purified proteins, biochemical tests, advanced microscopy, and cultured human cells to watch how RAD51 filaments form or are blocked. The team is also testing how the CST complex and BARD1 influence RAD51 activity and how BRCA1-BARD1 can overcome roadblocks to repair. Results aim to explain why faults in these proteins lead to genome instability and cancer and to point to targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, a strong family history of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, or interest in DNA-repair biology would be most relevant to follow or benefit from this work.
Not a fit: People without BRCA-related mutations or diseases driven by DNA repair defects are less likely to see direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets or biomarkers that lead to therapies or tests to better prevent or treat BRCA-related cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Past research has established BRCA2's role in helping RAD51 and BRCA1-BARD1's opposition to 53BP1, while the newly observed CST inhibition of RAD51 is a more recent finding being explored further here.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mazin, Alexander V — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Mazin, Alexander V
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.