How helicases help repair broken DNA
Helicase regulation during homologous recombination
Researchers are learning how helicase proteins help cells fix dangerous DNA breaks, which could benefit people with cancers linked to DNA repair problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307119 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team uses advanced laboratory imaging and biochemical tools to watch how helicases and other repair proteins (like BRCA1, BRCA2, BARD1, and BLM) work during homologous recombination. They study the molecular steps cells use to copy and patch broken DNA strands, often using purified proteins and model systems that let them see these events in real time. The work aims to identify points where recombination can be turned down or blocked, a strategy that might make cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment. Although this is lab-based basic science, the findings can guide future drug development and patient-centered trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hereditary BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations or cancers known to have homologous recombination defects would be the most relevant candidates for related patient-oriented studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are unrelated to DNA repair pathways or who do not have HR-related mutations are less likely to gain direct benefit from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new ways to target DNA repair in tumors, leading to more selective cancer therapies for patients with homologous recombination defects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research into DNA repair has enabled successful treatments like PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutant cancers, but targeting helicase regulation remains an earlier-stage, largely laboratory-based approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greene, Eric C — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Greene, Eric C
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.