Investigating the role of Polymerase theta in breast cancer treatment
Polymerase theta, genome instability, and cancer
This study is looking at how a protein called Polymerase theta helps fix DNA in hereditary breast cancers, and how understanding this can lead to better and safer treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10868619 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Polymerase theta (Pol q) functions in hereditary breast cancers and how its loss affects normal cells. The team will explore the mechanisms by which Pol q contributes to DNA repair and how this knowledge can lead to the development of targeted therapies for cancer. By using various biochemical, structural, and imaging techniques, they aim to visualize and characterize the pathways involved in Pol q's action. The ultimate goal is to create safer and more effective cancer treatments that target Pol q specifically.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hereditary breast cancer mutations, particularly those involving the BRCA1/2 genes.
Not a fit: Patients with non-hereditary breast cancers or those without mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies for patients with hereditary breast cancers, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting DNA repair mechanisms in cancer therapy, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramsden, Dale a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Ramsden, Dale 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.