Understanding how BRCA2 and RAD51 proteins help repair DNA and maintain chromosomes
Official title: Molecular Functions of BRCA2 and RAD51 Paralogs in Homologous Recombination and Chromosome Maintenance
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10945156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins, like BRCA2 and RAD51, help fix DNA and keep our genes stable, which is especially important for people at risk of cancer due to issues with these proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $368,288 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293029-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with known mutations in BRCA2 or RAD51, as well as those with a family history of related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mutations in BRCA2 or RAD51, or those not at risk for chromosomal instability-related cancers, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind homologous recombination, a critical process for DNA repair in humans. It focuses on the roles of BRCA2 and RAD51 proteins, along with their paralogs, in maintaining genomic stability and preventing chromosomal instability that can lead to cancer. The approach includes biochemical analyses of purified proteins and studying defective mutant proteins found in patients, as well as visualizing their actions on DNA at a molecular level. By understanding these processes, the research aims to shed light on how defects in these proteins contribute to cancer predisposition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for cancers associated with BRCA2 and RAD51 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, but this specific focus on BRCA2 and RAD51 paralogs is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kowalczykowski, Stephen Charles — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Kowalczykowski, Stephen Charles
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.