How the protein profilin-1 affects DNA repair and chemotherapy response in cancer
Role of nuclear profilin-1 in DNA replication fork stability and cancer chemotherapy response
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11289314
This project sees if a protein called profilin-1 changes how cancer cells protect their DNA during chemotherapy and so alters treatment response.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11289314 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are working in the lab to understand how profilin-1 acts inside the cell nucleus to influence DNA replication during chemotherapy. They examine how stalled DNA replication forks are protected or exposed and how that affects whether cancer cells survive or die when treated with DNA-damaging drugs. The team uses molecular experiments in cancer cells and related laboratory models to map the proteins and steps involved. Findings could point to markers that predict chemo response or targets to make chemotherapy more effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer or other cancers treated with DNA-damaging chemotherapy—especially tumors linked to BRCA1/2 or showing replication stress—are the most relevant for this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are treated with non–DNA-damaging approaches or conditions unrelated to tumor replication stress are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to predict which tumors will respond to certain chemotherapies and new strategies to make those drugs work better.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier lab studies have shown profilin-1 can influence cancer cell behavior and chemo sensitivity, but linking its nuclear role to DNA replication fork protection is a newer and early-stage finding.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHAO, JIEYA — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SHAO, JIEYA
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Cell, Cancer Genes, Cancer-Promoting Gene, Cancers