Targeting RNF168-amplified ovarian cancer

Project summary

RNF168 regulates the DNA damage response and is amplified in a majority of ovarian cancers. Increased expression hyperactivates damage signaling and promotes cell survival following exposure to DNA damaging treatments. My proposal investigates how the DNA damage response is altered in RNF168-amplified cancers, which current treatment options are most effective, and what new therapeutic targets specifically kill RNF168-amplified ovarian cancers. To achieve these objectives, I developed innovative imaging methodology to probe the impacts on DNA repair and generated promising genetic targets by genome-wide screening. This groundbreaking work establishes the foundation to significantly improve how RNF168-amplified ovarian cancers are treated.

This grant was made possible in part by a generous donation from The Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust.