Understanding how cells detect and respond to DNA damage

Structural Mechanisms of DNA Damage Sensing and Activation of the ATR, Fanconi Anemia, and ATM Checkpoints

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11073113

This study is looking at how our cells detect and fix damage to their DNA, which is really important for stopping cancer, and it aims to understand how certain proteins work together to repair serious DNA problems, with the hope that this knowledge can help develop new treatments to improve DNA repair in cancer cells.

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-11073113 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells sense and repair DNA damage, which is crucial for preventing cancer. It focuses on understanding how specific protein assemblies respond to DNA double strand breaks and stalled replication forks, which can lead to genetic instability. Using advanced imaging techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers aim to create detailed 3D structures of these proteins to uncover their functions and interactions. This knowledge could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to enhance DNA repair in cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic predispositions to cancer or those diagnosed with cancers characterized by DNA repair deficiencies.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers unrelated to DNA damage response mechanisms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies by targeting DNA repair mechanisms.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.

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.
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.