How RAD51-linked proteins protect cells from DNA damage
Structure and function of RAD51 paralog tumor suppressor complexes in genome maintenance
Researchers are mapping how RAD51-paralog protein complexes help repair broken DNA to explain why some inherited mutations raise breast and ovarian cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team will examine the shapes and interactions of RAD51-paralog protein complexes that help fix dangerous DNA breaks. They will use structural imaging and biochemical experiments on purified proteins and engineered cells to see how these complexes assemble and work. The researchers will test how cancer-linked germline mutations change complex function and DNA-repair activity. Results aim to connect molecular defects to the increased cancer and genome-instability risk seen in people with these mutations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with known germline mutations in RAD51 paralogs (for example RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2, XRCC3, or RAD51B) or those with a strong personal or family history of early-onset breast or ovarian cancer.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or whose cancer is driven by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this basic science work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify why inherited RAD51-paralog mutations raise cancer risk and point to new approaches for prevention, genetic counseling, or therapies that target DNA-repair weaknesses.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and biochemical studies have previously linked RAD51 paralogs to cancer susceptibility, but detailed structural mechanisms remain largely unresolved, so this project is relatively novel in its mechanistic focus.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olsen, Shaun — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Olsen, Shaun
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.