How errors in DNA copying help cancer cells survive
Okazaki fragment maturation: mutagenesis and cell survival
Researchers will look at how cancer cells switch to an error-prone way of finishing DNA copying under stress that helps them survive treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294342 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines a backup DNA-copying pathway that kicks in under stress and creates mutations that let some cells survive. Scientists use yeast models alongside comparisons to human DNA repair genes like FEN1, CHK1, and CHK2 to find the proteins and steps involved. They will map genome-wide mutations, test cell survival under replication stress, and manipulate pathway components to see what prevents the error-prone process. The goal is to understand how cancer cells acquire mutations that drive treatment resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer—particularly those whose tumors show signs of replication stress or DNA repair gene changes—could be candidates to provide samples or join future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People without cancer or patients seeking immediate treatment options should not expect direct clinical benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets to prevent cancer cells from mutating their way out of therapies and make treatments more durable.
How similar studies have performed: Related research targeting replication stress and DNA repair has shown promise in making tumors more therapy-sensitive, but the specific 3'-flap Okazaki fragment pathway is a newer, less-tested finding.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Binghui — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Shen, Binghui
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.