Understanding how cancer cells survive under stress

Okazaki fragment maturation: mutagenesis and cell survival

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11056091

This study looks at how cancer cells cope when they’re under stress while trying to grow, focusing on a specific process that might help them survive and resist treatments like chemotherapy, with the hope of finding new ways to make those treatments more effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056091 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which cancer cells manage to survive replication stress, a common challenge they face. It focuses on a specific pathway called Okazaki fragment maturation, which can lead to mutations that help cancer cells adapt and resist treatments like chemotherapy. By studying how these cells respond to stress, the research aims to uncover potential vulnerabilities that could be targeted in cancer therapies. The approach involves examining the genetic changes that occur in cancer cells under stress conditions, which may provide insights into their survival strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that exhibit drug resistance or those undergoing chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that are easily treatable and do not exhibit drug resistance may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding cellular stress responses can lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, suggesting this approach has potential.

Where this research is happening

Duarte, 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-canceranti-cancer therapycancer cellCancer Modelcancer 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.