How cells keep DNA intact to prevent cancer
Assembly and Dynamics of Molecular Machines in Genome Maintenance
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11321696
Scientists are learning how cellular machines repair and protect DNA to help people at risk for BRCA2-related and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11321696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at the molecular machines that bind and repair single-stranded DNA, including proteins like RPA, RAD51, BRCA2 (human) and Rad52 (yeast), to understand how they guide safe repair and protect replication forks. Researchers examine how partner proteins, post-translational modifications, and specific DNA structures change protein behavior and push repair toward protective or damaging outcomes. The team uses molecular and structural laboratory approaches and model systems to observe protein–DNA interactions and dynamics at high resolution. Learning these detailed steps aims to explain how normal repair becomes misregulated in cancer cells and promotes treatment resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited BRCA2 mutations or cancers tied to DNA repair defects, and those willing to donate samples for basic research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate clinical treatment or therapeutic trial are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory-based basic research rather than a patient-facing intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that help prevent cancer development or overcome therapy resistance in people with BRCA2-related and other DNA-repair linked cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecular and structural studies have advanced understanding of DNA repair proteins, but translating those detailed mechanisms into new therapies is still an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SPIES, MARIA — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: SPIES, MARIA
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer 2 Gene, Breast Cancer Type 2 Susceptibility Gene, Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancers