How DNA packaging changes affect BRCA1-related DNA repair
Roles of Chromatin Modification in BRCA1 Dependent DNA Repair
This project looks at how changes to chromatin (the way DNA is packaged) change how BRCA1 helps repair damaged DNA in cancers with BRCA mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306990 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use laboratory models and molecular techniques to follow what happens when DNA replication encounters damage in cells that rely on BRCA1. They manipulate chromatin-remodeling proteins (like ALC1) and repair factors (including PARP, PCNA, SNM1A, and BLM) to see which pathways cells use to fix or tolerate damage. The team examines how these pathways drive resistance to treatments such as PARP inhibitors and how some tumors maintain telomeres using alternative lengthening (ALT). This is lab-based work using human cancer cell lines and biochemical assays rather than direct patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or patients with BRCA-mutant cancers are the most likely to benefit from future treatments informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients without BRCA1/2 mutations or whose cancers do not use the same repair or ALT pathways are less likely to see direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets or biomarkers that make PARP inhibitors more effective or point to new therapies for BRCA-mutant cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have already linked chromatin remodelers and repair factors to PARP inhibitor sensitivity and ALT activity, but translation to patient therapies is still early.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenberg, Roger a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Greenberg, Roger 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.