Understanding how human cells fix damaged chromosomes
Mechanisms of chromosome damage repair in human cells
This work explores how cancer cells repair their DNA, aiming to find new ways to make cancer treatments more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120893 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer cells often become resistant to chemotherapy and radiation by repairing their DNA damage very efficiently. This project looks closely at the specific steps human cells use to fix their chromosomes, especially a process called homologous recombination (HR). By understanding these repair mechanisms better, we hope to discover new targets for medicines that could stop cancer cells from repairing themselves. The goal is to make existing cancer treatments work better and prevent the disease from coming back.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit those with HR-proficient tumors who develop resistance to standard cancer therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not rely on homologous recombination for DNA repair may not directly benefit from therapies developed through this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new anti-cancer drugs that make current chemotherapy and radiation treatments more powerful and reduce the chance of cancer returning.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall concept of targeting DNA repair in cancer is established, this project focuses on specific, less understood stages of the HR pathway, making its approach novel.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiese, Claudia — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Wiese, Claudia
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 below.