How cells choose and fix broken DNA ends
Mechanisms of DNA Double-strand Break End Resection and Repair Pathway Choice
This project looks at how cells repair dangerous double-strand DNA breaks to help improve treatment responses in people with BRCA-related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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-11472335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team examines molecules like 53BP1, BRCA1-BARD1, EXO1, and the Shieldin complex that control whether a broken DNA end is accurately resected or quickly rejoined. They use molecular and cell-based experiments, including BRCA-deficient cell models and tumor-derived samples, to map how these proteins interact and change repair outcomes. The researchers model conditions that restore homology-directed repair to understand how some tumors become resistant to PARP inhibitor drugs. The work aims to identify molecular targets or biomarkers that could guide therapies or prevent resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with BRCA1/BRCA2-mutated cancers or those whose tumors have developed resistance to PARP inhibitors would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve DNA repair defects or whose treatment does not rely on PARP inhibitors may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors predict or overcome resistance to PARP inhibitors and make treatments for BRCA-related cancers more effective.
How similar studies have performed: PARP inhibitors are already effective in many BRCA-deficient cancers, but understanding and overcoming molecular causes of resistance is an active area of research that this project builds on.
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.