Homologous recombination (HR) is a high-precision DNA repair mechanism that protects against the occurrence of errors in our DNA. A defect in this, for example due to a BRCA1/2 mutation, increases the risk of developing cancer, especially breast and ovarian cancer. However, there are still many tumours, which have such a defect, but whose underlying gene defect is unknown.
Identification of genetic changes that cause a defect in HR has significance for clinical practice. A defect in DNA-repair is increasingly used as a therapeutic target for treatment. Indeed, tumours with an HR-defect can be treated with PARP-inhibitors. These are new anti-cancer drugs that prevent damaged tumour cells from repairing themselves. As a result, those cancer cells die. Identifying new mechanisms that cause HR defects could lead to more patients being considered for treatment with PARP inhibitors.
In this research, Van Vugt and Van de Kooij mainly focus on identifying genes, which if too active can lead to HR deficiencies. And this causes DNA-repair to be impaired. They will mainly investigate two specific genes, called FIRRM and FIGNL1, while searching genome-wide for related genes.
The research will take 2 years.
KWF has honoured several basic cancer research projects.
