How R-loops and BRCA genes cause DNA damage
Mechanisms of R-loop-Associated Genome Instability
This work looks at how RNA–DNA structures called R-loops and problems in BRCA1/2 genes can lead to DNA damage that may raise breast and related cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317176 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a family member carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 changes, this lab research is trying to understand tiny molecular events that can break DNA. Scientists use cells and molecular tools to track when RNA sticks to DNA (R-loops), how those structures are removed or repaired, and what goes wrong when BRCA proteins fail. The team maps the pathways that cut out or fix R-loops and tests what happens when the usual safeguards are missing. These experiments are done at Stanford using cell-based models and biochemical assays to connect basic mechanisms to cancer-related gene defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or a strong family history of breast/ovarian cancer would be most relevant to follow these findings or to provide samples in related studies.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers or genetic conditions unrelated to BRCA genes or R-loop–related DNA repair mechanisms are less likely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to prevent or treat cancers linked to BRCA1/2 by targeting the processes that remove harmful R-loops.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier laboratory studies have connected R-loops and DNA breaks and shown BRCA proteins help resolve them, but the detailed removal and repair pathways remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cimprich, Karlene a — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cimprich, Karlene a
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.