How mistakes finishing DNA copying cause large genetic changes
Cell cycle timing and molecular mechanisms of structural variant formation following incomplete replication
This project looks at how problems that stop cells from finishing DNA copying create big DNA rearrangements that can lead to cancer, including in people with BRCA2-related risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11348268 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use human cells and precise gene tools like CRISPR to recreate situations where DNA copying is left unfinished and then watch what happens. They study when in the cell cycle these mistakes occur and how a late-rescue process (called MiDAS) may fix or mis-fix DNA. The team maps the large DNA changes that result and tests which repair pathways are responsible, including effects tied to BRCA2. Results come from lab experiments, genomic sequencing of cells, and molecular analyses rather than treatments for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with BRCA2 mutations or a strong family history of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer who are willing to provide samples or follow related research updates are most connected to this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or those whose conditions are unrelated to DNA replication or repair are unlikely to get direct medical benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how DNA-repair failures lead to the large genetic changes that drive some cancers and help guide future prevention or targeted therapies for people with BRCA2-related risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked incomplete DNA replication to structural variants and identified processes like MiDAS, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain unproven and this project builds on that prior work.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Thomas Edward — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Thomas Edward
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.