How cells choose different ways to fix dangerous DNA breaks during the cell cycle
Mechanistic characterization of the cell cycle-dependent DNA repair pathway- Resubmission
This research looks at how proteins like ZMYM3 and BRCA1 guide which DNA-repair method cells use after DNA is copied, with relevance for cancers linked to DNA-repair defects.
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-11283950 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is trying to understand how a chemical tag on histone H4 (H4K20) and proteins such as ZMYM3, 53BP1, and BRCA1 decide whether a broken DNA strand is fixed by an accurate or a quick-but-error-prone method. They will use human cell models, biochemical binding tests, and genetic manipulations to follow these proteins and histone marks at different points in the cell cycle. The researchers will map interactions on damaged chromatin and test how changing these factors shifts repair choices after DNA replication. This is lab-based molecular research rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this lab-focused project does not enroll patients, its results are most relevant to people with BRCA1-related hereditary breast or ovarian cancer and tumors characterized by DNA repair defects.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to DNA repair, such as metabolic or purely degenerative diseases, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets or biomarkers to improve treatments for cancers driven by DNA repair defects like BRCA1-linked tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has established roles for BRCA1, 53BP1, and H4K20 methylation in repair pathway choice, while ZMYM3 is a newer candidate whose mechanistic role is less tested.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leung, Justin Wai Chung — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Leung, Justin Wai Chung
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.