TP53 gene changes and ovarian cancer risk in women with BRCA mutations
Understanding the role of TP53 mutation in genetic susceptibility to ovarian cancer
This project aims to find out whether tiny TP53 gene changes in fallopian tube cells and reproductive fluids help explain why women with BRCA mutations face higher risk of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11378906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use ultra-sensitive DNA sequencing to look for very small TP53 mutations in Pap test samples, peritoneal (abdominal) fluid, and fallopian tube tissue. They compare how common and how damaging these mutations are in women with BRCA1/2 mutations, women who have ovarian cancer, and women without cancer. The team studies how these TP53 clonal expansions grow with age and whether they represent early steps toward cancer. If you provide clinical samples or allow existing samples to be analyzed, your participation could help clarify who is most at risk and when cancer-related changes first appear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are women with known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, women with a history of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, and women without cancer who can provide Pap tests, peritoneal fluid, or fallopian tube tissue.
Not a fit: People who cannot or will not provide reproductive tract samples, men, and those without BRCA-related risk may not directly benefit, and findings may not change current treatment immediately.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of dangerous changes and support more personalized prevention strategies for women with BRCA mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier pilot studies have found TP53 mutations in peritoneal fluid, Pap DNA, and fallopian tubes, but applying ultra-sensitive sequencing to map these mutations at high resolution is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Risques, Rosa Ana — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Risques, Rosa Ana
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.