How human cells repair dangerous DNA breaks
Mechanisms of Human DNA Double-Strand Break Repair via Quantitative Single-Molecule Imaging
Researchers use advanced single-molecule imaging to learn how DNA breaks are fixed in human cells so treatments for cancer can work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262829 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab program watches individual DNA repair events in human cells using high-resolution single-molecule imaging to see how replication forks and double-strand breaks are handled. The team studies the two main repair routes, non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination, and examines how patient-linked mutations change those steps. By capturing short-lived intermediates that standard methods miss, the work aims to reveal why some tumors resist radiation and chemotherapy. Findings could point to specific repair steps or proteins to target with future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers—especially tumors known to carry DNA repair gene mutations or who are receiving DNA-damaging treatments like radiation or certain chemotherapies—would be most relevant to follow related trials or sample-collection efforts.
Not a fit: Patients without cancers linked to DNA repair defects or those seeking immediate clinical treatment options are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal repair weaknesses in tumors that lead to more effective, targeted cancer treatments or better ways to predict therapy response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous biochemical and cellular studies have identified many repair proteins, but applying single-molecule imaging to human double-strand break repair is relatively novel and may uncover previously unseen steps.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothenberg, Eli — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rothenberg, Eli
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.