Understanding how DNA replication is affected by environmental toxins
Official title: Mechanisms of replication fork degradation in vertebrates
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10988242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how things like UV light and certain chemicals can mess with the way our cells copy their DNA, and it aims to find out how cells fix this damage so they can keep working properly, which could help us understand more about cancer risks related to genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $475,612 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034847-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly those with known mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a genetic predisposition to breast or ovarian cancer or those not exposed to environmental genotoxins may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how DNA replication is challenged by environmental genotoxins, such as UV radiation and certain chemicals. It focuses on the mechanisms of nascent strand degradation and fork reversal, which are crucial for maintaining genome stability. By studying these processes, the research aims to uncover how cells can effectively respond to DNA damage and restart replication. This understanding could lead to insights into inherited defects in proteins like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are linked to cancer susceptibility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of cancer susceptibility and lead to better prevention strategies for individuals at risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding DNA repair mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and prevention, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dewar, James M — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Dewar, James M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.