Understanding the structure of proteins involved in breast cancer
Official title: Structure of the BRCA1-PALB2-BRCA2 complex
Funded at Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories · NIH-11077355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the shapes of important proteins that help keep our genes stable and are connected to certain cancers, to see how changes in these proteins caused by mutations might affect their function, which could help create better treatments for people with these mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richland, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $100,794 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA289842-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077355 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with known mutations in the BRCA1, PALB2, or BRCA2 genes, particularly those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mutations in the BRCA1, PALB2, or BRCA2 genes or those with unrelated cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the structural details of the BRCA1, PALB2, and BRCA2 proteins, which play a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability and are linked to various cancers. By producing full-length versions of these proteins and their partners, the study aims to determine how their structures are affected by disease-related mutations. The approach involves advanced techniques like cell-free expression and cryogenic electron microscopy to visualize these proteins in detail. This understanding could lead to more targeted treatment strategies for patients with mutations in these genes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved targeted therapies for patients with breast cancer and other related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar structural biology approaches to elucidate protein functions, indicating potential for success in this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories
Richland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, James E — Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories
- Study coordinator: Evans, James E
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.