How cells cope with DNA damage to help prevent cancer
The role of DNA damage tolerance pathways in human cells
This project looks at how cells, especially those with BRCA mutations, handle gaps left during DNA copying and how that affects responses to chemotherapy like cisplatin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use human cells and molecular lab tests to follow what happens when DNA replication stalls and is restarted by enzymes such as PRIMPOL, leaving single-stranded DNA gaps. They manipulate DNA-repair proteins and measure whether these gaps become dangerous double-strand breaks, particularly in BRCA-deficient cells. The team combines biochemical assays, DNA damage measurements, and genetic tools to map the pathways that tolerate or resolve these gaps. Results are intended to explain why some tumors are more sensitive or resistant to genotoxic drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with BRCA1/2 mutations or patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for cancers would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without DNA repair defects or with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to ways to make chemotherapy more effective for people with BRCA-related cancers or to avoid treatments that cause harmful DNA damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work has linked PRIMPOL activity and single-stranded DNA gaps to chemotherapy response, but the detailed mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moldovan, George Lucian — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Moldovan, George Lucian
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.