Understanding how DNA repair mechanisms work in cancer cells

Helicase regulation during homologous recombination

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10851688

This study is looking at how our cells fix broken DNA, which is important because these breaks can lead to cancer, and it aims to find new ways to help treat cancer by focusing on the proteins that help with this repair process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10851688 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which cells repair damaged DNA, particularly focusing on double-stranded DNA breaks that can lead to cancer. By studying the proteins involved in homologous recombination, the research aims to uncover how these processes can be targeted for cancer therapies. The approach includes developing new experimental platforms to visualize DNA repair in action, which could lead to more effective treatments for patients with certain types of cancer. The findings may help identify specific inhibitors that can selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers associated with defects in DNA repair mechanisms.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve homologous recombination deficiencies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted therapies for cancer that improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting DNA repair mechanisms in cancer therapy, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement.

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.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancerDisorderDisease
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.