Understanding how tumor suppressors help maintain DNA integrity
Official title: Characterizing the role of tumor suppressor phase separation and chromatin organization in maintaining genomic integrity
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10881927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how two important proteins, 53BP1 and BRCA1, help keep our DNA healthy and fix any damage, which could lead to new ways to understand and prevent cancer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $120,020 |
| NIH project number | 5K99GM151473-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881927 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 mutations in the BRCA1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic predispositions to DNA repair deficiencies or those not affected by related cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of two important tumor suppressors, 53BP1 and BRCA1, in maintaining the integrity of our DNA. It focuses on how these proteins interact with DNA repair pathways and how they organize chromatin, which is the material that makes up our chromosomes. By studying the phase separation of these proteins, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that could prevent mutations and improve cellular health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how disruptions in these processes could lead to cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cancers associated with DNA repair deficiencies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of tumor suppressors in DNA repair, indicating that this approach has potential for significant discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garabedian, Mikael — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Garabedian, Mikael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.