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Study finds direction of enzymes affects DNA repair

A new study found that repair enzymes can 'distinguish' between various positions on the DNA strand, varying in effectiveness depending on their orientation relative to the nucleosome. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of DNA repair and its role in preventing diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2003

Arsenic in drinking water may be linked to cancer Dartmouth study finds

A recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a link between arsenic exposure and suppressed expression of DNA repair genes. The researchers discovered that individuals with elevated arsenic levels had lower levels of certain genes involved in nucleotide excision repair, which helps protect against DNA damage.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 7, 2003

Genes may help protect kidneys from diabetes damage

A recent study found three genes that may play a role in protecting the kidneys from diabetic damage. The genes were identified by examining the genetic structure of healthy and sick mice, and their discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for kidney disease. By understanding how these genes work, scientists hope to develop d...

UT Southwestern researchers discover structure of molecule that repairs sun and cigarette damage

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered the crystal structure of an enzyme that repairs DNA damage caused by sunlight and cigarettes, a key component in the nucleotide excision repair system. The discovery sheds light on how this system differentiates between healthy and damaged DNA and recognizes various lesions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 1999

Researchers suggest new mechanism to explain DNA charge transfer process

A research team suggests that electronic charge transfer in DNA occurs through temporary distortions in its structure, creating a 'polaron' that carries the charge. This process can help scientists understand DNA damage and repair mechanisms, leading to potential applications in diagnostic techniques and micromachines.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 1999

Advance reported in search for skin cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a computer model that provides atomic details of the binding interactions between damaged DNA and the repair enzyme DNA photolyase. The model provides new insights into which parts of the enzyme are important for electron transfer, which could lead to the development of an arti...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 3, 1999

Study Indicates Adolescent Smokers Are More Susceptible To Long-Term DNA Damage From Smoking Than Adults Smokers

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that adolescent smokers incur more severe DNA damage than adult smokers, which can increase the risk of lung cancer. The study, published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that smoking during adolescence may produce physiologic changes leading to persistent DNA damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 6, 1999

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Scientists Find Breast Cancer Gene Required To Correct Certain GeneticDamage

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scientists have found that the BRCA1 gene is necessary for transcription-coupled repair of certain types of DNA damage, which can lead to breast and ovarian cancer. The study provides direct evidence of the gene's role in DNA repair and may help develop new treatments for cancer.

New Discovery May Offer Protection Against Stroke

A new study suggests that inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme may protect nerve cells from energy loss and prevent irreversible damage after a stroke. The research, published in Nature Medicine, found that genetically modified mice without the PARP gene experienced reduced brain damage compared to unaltered mice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 29, 1997