How cells protect and copy their DNA safely
DNA Damage & DNA Replication: a Complex Relationship
Scientists are learning how proteins like ATM, the Mre11 complex, and RTEL1 help protect DNA during copying for people with DNA repair disorders or cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260470 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use yeast and mouse genetics together with biochemistry and structural imaging to study how the Mre11 complex, ATM kinase, and RTEL1 work at DNA replication forks and telomeres. They examine mutant forms of Rad50 and related proteins and have produced high-resolution structures to see how DNA damage signaling is turned on. The team also links factors at replication forks to innate immune signaling and genome stability. These basic discoveries aim to clarify processes that underlie inherited DNA repair disorders and some cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited defects in ATM/Mre11-pathway genes (for example Ataxia-Telangiectasia), individuals with unexplained bone marrow failure, or patients enrolled in related translational studies would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to DNA repair, replication stress, or telomere biology are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new diagnostic markers or targets for treatments for conditions caused by DNA repair defects, such as Ataxia-Telangiectasia and some bone marrow failure syndromes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and structural studies have produced important insights into Mre11/ATM biology, but translating these findings into clinical treatments remains in early stages.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrini, John Hj — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Petrini, John Hj
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.