How cells repair dangerous DNA breaks to help prevent cancer
Mechanism and Regulation of Homologous Recombination in Genome Maintenance
This project looks at how key proteins fix severe DNA breaks that can lead to cancer, using lab models to learn how the process is controlled.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321098 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the lab is dissecting how double-strand DNA breaks are processed by the homologous recombination machinery, focusing on proteins called RPA and Dna2 and their partners. They use biochemical tests and yeast-based experiments to watch how these proteins bind and process single-stranded DNA and to map the steps of repair. The team will test a mutant form of RPA that sticks together (dimerizes) and follow a newly discovered intermediate that Dna2 appears to process. Findings are intended to clarify how mistakes in repair lead to chromosome breaks and cancer over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients and is carried out with laboratory models and purified proteins rather than clinical volunteers.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments for breast cancer will not receive direct clinical benefit from this lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or biomarkers to detect or treat cancers caused by faulty DNA repair.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has established RPA and Dna2 as important players in homologous recombination, but the specific role of RPA dimerization and the novel Dna2-processed intermediate are new hypotheses being explored.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niu, Hengyao — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Niu, Hengyao
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.