How MDC1 helps cells repair dangerous DNA breaks
Molecular regulation of double-strand break repair by MDC1
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11308365
This project looks at how a protein called MDC1 helps fix DNA breaks in human cells and why that matters for people with BRCA1-related cancer risks.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DETROIT, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11308365 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use live-cell single-molecule imaging and molecular lab experiments in human cell models to watch where MDC1 binds to chromatin and how its PST domain holds MDC1 near active genes. They will change the PST domain and its phosphorylation state to see whether those changes push repair toward Homologous Recombination (HR) or Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ). The team will measure repair outcomes, protein interactions, and chromatin associations, with attention to links to BRCA1-related repair pathways. The work aims to explain why MDC1 loss affects HR differently than NHEJ.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known BRCA1 gene mutations or BRCA1-associated breast or ovarian cancer are most directly relevant to the biology studied.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to DNA double-strand break repair or BRCA1 pathways are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biomarkers or targets that help treat cancers caused by faulty DNA repair, such as BRCA1-associated breast and ovarian cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have defined many DNA repair pathways and used live imaging, but the project’s focus on MDC1’s PST domain as a spatial regulator of HR is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
DETROIT, UNITED STATES
- WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY — DETROIT, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HEYZA, JOSHUA — WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HEYZA, JOSHUA
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.