How cells repair stuck DNA-copying machinery
Project 4: Fork Repair: Mechanisms and consequences of stalled replication fork processing
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIF-LAWRENC BERKELEY LAB · NIH-11178316
Researchers are learning how cells fix or bypass stalled DNA replication to better understand cancer and improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIF-LAWRENC BERKELEY LAB (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11178316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory experiments to find out how cells deal with stalled DNA replication forks, a process that can create the mutations that drive cancer. Scientists combine structural studies, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology to identify the proteins and pathways that remodel, repair, or bypass these stalled forks. They also study how error-prone fixes lead to genetic changes and therapy resistance. The goal is to reveal vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future cancer therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers linked to DNA repair defects (for example BRCA-mutant tumors or cancers treated with PARP inhibitors) are most likely to find this research relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are unrelated to DNA replication or repair pathways may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to make cancer treatments more effective by targeting how tumor cells tolerate DNA replication stress.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic-science work on replication and repair has informed treatments like PARP inhibitors, but many specific mechanisms of fork processing remain novel and underexplored.
Where this research is happening
BERKELEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIF-LAWRENC BERKELEY LAB — BERKELEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CORTEZ, DAVID K — UNIVERSITY OF CALIF-LAWRENC BERKELEY LAB
- Study coordinator: CORTEZ, DAVID K
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: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancer Treatment, Cancers