Understanding How Our Cells Repair Damaged DNA
Mechanisms of Genome Integrity
This research explores how our cells fix broken DNA to prevent serious problems like cancer, focusing on important genes like BRCA2.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11073073 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies' cells are constantly exposed to things that can damage their DNA, leading to breaks in our genetic code. When these breaks happen, especially double-stranded breaks, they can cause major changes to our chromosomes, which are a common feature in all types of cancer. This project looks closely at how cells use a special repair process called homologous recombination to fix these breaks and keep our genetic information safe. By understanding the proteins involved in this repair, like those linked to BRCA2, we hope to learn more about why these processes sometimes fail.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but it is highly relevant to individuals with a family history of cancer or those with mutations in genes like BRCA2.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how cancers, particularly breast cancer, develop and potentially guide the creation of new ways to prevent or treat them.
How similar studies have performed: The mechanisms of DNA repair are a well-established field of study, and this research builds upon existing knowledge to explore specific, complex aspects of these processes.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greene, Eric C — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Greene, Eric C
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.