Understanding how APE2 helps repair DNA in certain cancer cells

Deciphering the function of the APE2 nuclease during repair by alternative end-joining and its role in HR-deficient cells

NIH-funded research University of Colorado · NIH-10990514

This study is looking at how a specific protein helps cancer cells fix their DNA when they can't use a common repair method, with the hope of finding new treatments for those tough-to-treat cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10990514 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the APE2 nuclease in a specific DNA repair process called alternative end-joining, particularly in cancer cells that lack a functional homologous recombination pathway. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 screens, the researchers aim to identify key factors involved in this repair mechanism. The goal is to better understand how these cancer cells survive and to find new ways to treat them, especially those that do not respond to existing therapies like PARP inhibitors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with HR-deficient cancers, such as certain types of breast cancer, who may benefit from novel therapeutic strategies.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not exhibit HR deficiency or those who are not resistant to PARP inhibitors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with HR-deficient cancers, particularly those resistant to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting alternative DNA repair pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.

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.
Conditions Breast Cancer
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.