Understanding DNA Repair to Fight Cancer
Mechanism and regulation of DNA double-strand break repair
This research helps us understand how cells fix broken DNA, which is important for preventing and treating cancers.
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-11087563 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' cells can get damaged DNA, called double-strand breaks, which can lead to serious problems like chromosome loss or changes. When cells can't fix these breaks properly, it can cause genetic instability and increase the risk of conditions like cancer. This damage is also what chemotherapy and radiation use to fight cancer. By studying how cells repair these breaks, we hope to find new ways to treat cancer and overcome resistance to current therapies. We are using yeast as a model to uncover these fundamental repair processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with various types of cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, could eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical participation would not benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new and more effective treatments for cancer by targeting how cancer cells repair their DNA or by making existing therapies work better.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon previous successful studies in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, aiming to expand our knowledge in this critical area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Symington, Lorraine S — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Symington, Lorraine S
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.