Understanding how a specific DNA repair process affects cancer treatment resistance

Investigating the role of Microhomology-Mediated End-Joining (MMEJ) in Mitosis and its impact on drug resistance

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11226970

This study is looking at how a specific DNA repair process in cancer cells might help them survive treatment, especially in tumors with BRCA mutations, to find better ways to make cancer therapies work more effectively for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11226970 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Microhomology-Mediated End-Joining (MMEJ), a DNA repair mechanism, in the context of cancer cell division and its implications for drug resistance. By examining how MMEJ operates, especially in tumors with BRCA mutations, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments. The approach involves analyzing the molecular pathways and mechanisms that lead to genomic instability in cancer cells, which may contribute to treatment failure. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to more targeted and effective therapies for resistant cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Not a fit: Patients without BRCA mutations or those with cancers not related to DNA repair deficiencies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with BRCA-mutated tumors, potentially overcoming drug resistance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting DNA repair mechanisms in cancer, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.