How cells handle DNA damage
Regulation of the DNA Damage Response
This project looks at how a protein called HLTF helps cells restart DNA copying when it stalls, which is important for understanding cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11226947 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on HLTF, a protein that helps remodel and restart stalled DNA replication forks when DNA is damaged or stressed. Researchers use lab-grown human cells and engineered HLTF mutants to see which parts of the protein are needed for different repair steps. They combine molecular biology, biochemical assays, and imaging to track how replication forks change and restart. The team aims to connect these basic mechanisms to how tumors arise and respond to chemotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer—especially tumors known to have DNA replication stress or HLTF alterations—or patients willing to donate tumor or blood samples for research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or direct clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new drug targets or strategies to make cancer treatments work better.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown HLTF promotes fork reversal and this project builds on those findings, though translating such basic discoveries into therapies remains early.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cimprich, Karlene a — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cimprich, Karlene a
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.