Targeting a key protein involved in DNA damage response for cancer therapy
Official title: Targeting the DNA Damage Response sensor Replication Protein A for first inclass cancer therapy
Funded at Nerx Biosciences, INC. · NIH-10918816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new cancer treatment that aims to make cancer cells more vulnerable by blocking a protein called RPA, which helps them survive when their DNA is damaged, and it's designed for patients with tumors that have trouble repairing their DNA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nerx Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,078,680 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA287693-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that exhibit reliance on DNA damage response mechanisms, particularly those with known genetic defects in DNA repair pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not rely on DNA damage response mechanisms or those with advanced-stage cancers that have exhausted treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new cancer therapy that targets the DNA Damage Response (DDR) by specifically inhibiting a protein called replication protein A (RPA). RPA plays a crucial role in recognizing DNA damage and is essential for cancer cell survival, especially in tumors with genetic defects in DNA repair pathways. By targeting RPA, the research aims to exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells that rely on DDR for their survival, potentially leading to more effective treatments. The approach is novel as it intervenes earlier in the DDR process compared to existing therapies, which typically target downstream proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking cancer therapy that more effectively targets and kills cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with therapies targeting other components of the DNA damage response, indicating potential for this novel approach to yield significant results.
Where this research is happening
-
Nerx Biosciences, INC.
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pawelczak, Katherine — Nerx Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Pawelczak, Katherine
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.