Protecting DNA while cells copy themselves to lower BRCA-related cancer risk
Mechanisms of replication fork degradation in vertebrates
Researchers are learning how cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 changes handle DNA damage during copying so future treatments can better help people with inherited breast and related cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235134 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks inside cells to see how the DNA-copying machinery is protected and restarted after environmental damage, focusing on processes called nascent strand degradation and fork reversal. Scientists will use vertebrate model systems and cell-based experiments to watch how proteins like BRCA1, BRCA2, and SMARCAL1 act during DNA replication and what happens when they are defective. They will expose cells to DNA-damaging agents and map which proteins trigger or prevent harmful degradation of newly made DNA strands. The team aims to build a clear model of this repair pathway to explain why inherited defects change sensitivity to environmental genotoxins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, or a strong family history of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, would be the most relevant candidates to participate or provide biological samples.
Not a fit: People without BRCA-related genetic changes or without disorders of DNA repair are less likely to see direct benefits from this specific line of basic research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect DNA or target vulnerabilities in people with BRCA-related conditions, informing future prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown BRCA proteins help protect replication forks, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear and this work is exploratory to fill those gaps.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dewar, James M — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Dewar, James M
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.