Understanding DNA Repair and Genome Stability
Mechanisms and Genetic Consequences of Break-Induced Replication.
This project explores how cells fix broken DNA and how errors in this process can lead to problems like genome instability.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143226 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' cells constantly face damage to their DNA, which can lead to serious issues if not repaired correctly. This project focuses on a specific DNA repair pathway called Break-Induced Replication (BIR), which helps fix severe DNA breaks but can also introduce errors that make the genome unstable. We want to understand exactly how BIR works and how it contributes to these genetic changes. By combining cell biology, biochemistry, and genomics, we aim to uncover the mechanisms that regulate BIR at important parts of our DNA, like telomeres.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this knowledge could benefit individuals with conditions linked to genome instability or telomere dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how genome instability contributes to diseases like cancer and aging, potentially opening doors for new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While BIR has been observed in various organisms, its specific role and mechanisms in mammalian cells are only recently gaining attention, making this a relatively novel area of in-depth investigation.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Min, Jaewon — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Min, Jaewon
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.