How cells finish copying DNA to prevent genetic errors
Mechanisms that ensure the completion of DNA synthesis
This work explores how cells complete DNA copying to help us better understand causes of BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138664 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient’s point of view, the lab is trying to learn how cells make sure every bit of DNA gets copied so chromosomes stay intact. The researchers will study the enzymes and processes that help two replication forks meet and finish copying, and how cells restart replication after damage. They will focus on the role of topoisomerase enzymes and other mechanisms that resolve stress when copying stalls, using cell-based and biochemical experiments in the lab. The goal is to reveal basic biological steps that, if they go wrong, can lead to chromosome errors linked to cancer risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, or a personal or family history of hereditary breast or ovarian cancer, and those willing to donate samples for laboratory research.
Not a fit: Patients with medical issues unrelated to DNA replication or BRCA-related repair problems are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new molecular targets or strategies to prevent or treat cancers tied to BRCA1/2-related DNA repair failures.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown topoisomerases and fork-restart pathways matter for DNA replication, but this project addresses specific unanswered questions about how replication is reliably finished.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dewar, James M — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Dewar, James M
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.