Understanding how BRCA2 works in cancer

Regulation of DNA replication kinetics by BRCA2 after DNA damage

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11117184

This research explores how changes in the BRCA2 gene contribute to the development of breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11117184 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Mutations in the BRCA2 gene significantly increase a person's risk for several cancers, including breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. The BRCA2 protein is crucial for keeping our DNA healthy and repairing damage. This project aims to understand how BRCA2 helps control DNA replication, a process where cells make copies of their DNA. By learning more about how BRCA2 functions, especially after DNA damage, we hope to uncover why mutations in this gene lead to cancer and how cells become resistant to treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals with BRCA2 gene mutations or those affected by breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancers linked to BRCA2.

Not a fit: Patients without BRCA2 mutations or cancers not related to BRCA2 may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how BRCA2 mutations cause cancer and potentially identify new ways to treat these cancers or prevent them from becoming resistant to therapy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms explored here are novel, previous research has established the critical role of BRCA2 in DNA repair and cancer development.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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 2 GeneBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer ModelBreast Cancer Type 2 Susceptibility Gene
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.