Targeting DNA Replication Problems in Cancer Cells
Understanding and targeting the DNA replication stress in cancer cells
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11082202
This project aims to learn more about how DNA replication problems affect cancer cells, hoping to find new ways to treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11082202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Cancer cells often have issues with copying their DNA, known as replication stress, which makes them unstable but also vulnerable. We want to understand how different cancer-causing changes lead to these DNA copying problems and what unique weaknesses they create. By learning more about these basic processes, especially how a key pathway called ATR works, we hope to discover new ways to attack cancer cells. This knowledge could help us develop better treatments that specifically target these vulnerabilities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers that exhibit DNA replication stress or BRCA mutations, who might benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, are the ultimate focus of this foundational work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve DNA replication stress or related vulnerabilities may not directly benefit from therapies developed through this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and more effective therapies for various cancers by exploiting their unique vulnerabilities.
How similar studies have performed: The success of PARP inhibitors in BRCA-mutant tumors provides a strong precedent for targeting replication stress, suggesting this approach has therapeutic potential.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZOU, LEE — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZOU, LEE
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: Cancer Treatment, Cancers