Understanding how a protein called PARP1 works in cancer

Structure and Mechanism of Chromatin-Bound PARP1

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-11193866

This project aims to understand how a protein called PARP1 works inside cells, which could help make cancer treatments more effective.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11193866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

PARP1 is a protein that helps repair damaged DNA in our cells, and drugs that block PARP1 are already used to treat certain cancers, especially those with BRCA1/2 mutations. However, current PARP inhibitors sometimes require high doses, don't always work as expected, or patients can become resistant to them. This research looks closely at how PARP1 interacts with DNA, both healthy and damaged, and how it works with other cellular components. By understanding these details, we hope to find ways to improve existing cancer therapies and develop new ones.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with cancers that have DNA repair defects, such as those with BRCA1/2 mutations, or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, are the focus of this research area.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve PARP1 activity or DNA repair defects may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new or improved anti-cancer drugs that are more effective, require lower doses, or overcome drug resistance for patients with certain cancers.

How similar studies have performed: PARP inhibitors are already successfully used in the clinic for certain cancers, but this research seeks to improve upon their current efficacy and address resistance.

Where this research is happening

Boulder, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, Cancer Drug

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.