Understanding how DNA repair works in advanced cancer

Mechanistic Dissection of the BRCA1-SETX-dependent Pathway of R-loop Avoidance and Genome Maintenance

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11094084

This work explores how cells fix their DNA to prevent problems that can lead to advanced cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11094084 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies' cells constantly repair their DNA to stay healthy, but sometimes structures called R-loops can form and cause damage, leading to issues like cancer. This project aims to understand how a specific protein called SETX, along with the BRCA1-BARD1 complex, helps to resolve these harmful R-loops. We are looking closely at how SETX unwinds these structures and how BRCA1-BARD1 works with it to keep our DNA stable. By understanding these basic processes, we hope to learn more about how cancer develops and how we might prevent it.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical applications could potentially benefit individuals with advanced cancer, especially those with BRCA1 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients not diagnosed with advanced cancer or those without related DNA repair pathway issues would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this basic science could lead to new ways to understand and potentially target DNA repair pathways in advanced cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have highlighted the importance of DNA repair pathways in cancer, and this work builds upon existing knowledge of SETX and BRCA1-BARD1 functions.

Where this research is happening

SAN ANTONIO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Advanced Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.