Understanding how DNA repair pathways work in cancer cells

Regulation of DNA double-strand break repair pathway choice

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11014590

This study is looking at how two proteins, BRCA2 and RAD52, help cancer cells fix their damaged DNA, with the goal of finding better treatments for tumors that struggle with this repair process, so that doctors can choose the best therapies for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11014590 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind how certain proteins, specifically BRCA2 and RAD52, influence the repair of DNA damage in cancer cells. By studying how these proteins interact with DNA repair pathways, the research aims to identify potential new treatments for tumors that lack effective DNA repair mechanisms. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and biochemical analyses to understand the roles of these proteins in delaying DNA repair processes. The findings could lead to improved patient selection for targeted therapies and enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer or other tumors that have mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not involve BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with specific types of breast cancer and other tumors that are deficient in DNA repair mechanisms.

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

Where this research is happening

Davis, 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.