Understanding how DNA repair mechanisms work in cells

Helicase regulation during homologous recombination

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11124531

This study is looking at how our cells fix broken DNA, which is important because these breaks can sometimes lead to cancer, and it aims to find ways to improve cancer treatments by understanding 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-11124531 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the processes by which cells repair damaged DNA, specifically 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 mechanisms can be manipulated to develop targeted cancer therapies. The approach includes advanced experimental techniques to visualize and analyze the molecular interactions during DNA repair. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic predispositions to cancer, particularly those with mutations in genes related to DNA repair such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve defects in homologous recombination or those without genetic predispositions to such cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and selective cancer therapies that target the DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting DNA repair mechanisms for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.

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 anti-cancer therapeuticanti-cancer therapyBloom syndrome protein
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.