How cells copy DNA past damage
Bypass Mechanisms in Eukaryotic Replication
This project looks at how the cell’s DNA-copying machinery gets around roadblocks so we can better prevent and treat cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177955 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team will rebuild the DNA copying machine (the replisome) from its component proteins and watch how it handles lesions and obstacles. They will also make active replication systems from whole-cell extracts to study natural replication starts. Methods include purified-protein biochemistry, single-molecule imaging, and structural biology to see the steps and players involved. The work focuses on a checkpoint protein called Mrc1 and on the polymerases that rescue stalled forks to understand how failures lead to chromosome instability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer, those at high risk for cancers, or individuals willing to contribute samples for basic DNA-repair research would be most relevant to follow or participate in downstream studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to DNA replication or repair are unlikely to see direct benefit from these basic laboratory studies in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or strategies to prevent the DNA damage that leads to some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related basic research on DNA repair has led to successful therapies like PARP inhibitors, but detailed replisome bypass mechanisms remain less explored and more novel.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schauer, Grant — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Schauer, Grant
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.