Understanding how MDC1 helps repair DNA damage
Official title: Molecular regulation of double-strand break repair by MDC1
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-10992657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MDC1 helps fix broken DNA in our cells, which is important for keeping us healthy and could help us understand more about diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $20,761 |
| NIH project number | 5K99GM149942-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations affecting DNA repair, such as those with BRCA1 mutations or other related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic predispositions to DNA repair deficiencies or those not affected by related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called MDC1 in repairing DNA double-strand breaks, which can threaten the integrity of our genetic material. The study focuses on how MDC1 interacts with other proteins and chromatin to facilitate two main repair pathways: Homologous Recombination (HR) and Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ). By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which MDC1 promotes these repair processes, particularly its unique functions that do not involve the well-known BRCA1 protein. This could lead to a better understanding of DNA repair in human cells and its implications for diseases like cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing DNA repair mechanisms, potentially benefiting patients with genetic predispositions to cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, but the specific role of MDC1 in this context is still being explored, making this a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heyza, Joshua — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Heyza, Joshua
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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.