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Radiation-resistant E. coli evolved in the lab give view into DNA repair

Researchers created a lab-grown population of E. coli bacteria that became resistant to ionizing radiation through genetic mutations and enhanced DNA repair mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to the development of radiation-resistant bacteria for environmental clean-up, cancer therapy protection, and astronaut protection in space.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Breakthrough in understanding Warsaw breakage syndrome

A breakthrough discovery reveals that the DDX11 helicase enzyme plays a vital role in DNA repair and serves as a backup to the Fanconi Anemia pathway. This finding has significant implications for understanding genomic stability and disorders associated with DNA repair deficiency, including cancer and developmental disorders.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2018

Could reading our circadian clocks according to DNA repair optimize chemotherapy?

Researchers measured DNA repair in mice treated with cisplatin over a 24-hour period, finding nearly 2,000 genes repaired according to the circadian clock. This study suggests that understanding the interaction between circadian clocks and DNA repair could lead to more effective chemotherapy regimens.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2018

Snapshot of DNA repair

Researchers at Osaka University and The University of Tokyo describe the unique binding of RNF168 to lysine 63 chains, which is stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This study provides insights into the molecular interactions that assure the recruitment of DNA repair proteins.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2018

A hair-trigger for cells fighting infection

A new study reveals how the immune system avoids becoming cancerous by using a hair-trigger protein called Tia1. This protein controls the production of proteins needed to fix damaged DNA, allowing B cells to produce effective antibodies while preventing lasting harm.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 13, 2017

The fork in the road to DNA repair

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a key role for protein SCAI in selecting between DNA repair mechanisms, NHEJ and HR, in response to damage. The study found that SCAI promotes the recruitment of HR proteins by binding to 53BP1.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 11, 2017

New protein regulated by cellular starvation

Researchers at IBS discovered a new function of DNA repair protein SHPRH, which regulates ribosome synthesis in response to nutrient availability. The protein's behavior changes during cellular starvation, allowing it to quickly recover ribosome production upon nutrient reintroduction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2017

Structural knowledge of the DNA repair complex

Researchers at Aarhus University have described the structure and organization of the DNA control protein Rad26, revealing how kinase Rad3 is recruited to damaged DNA. This new knowledge may lead to the development of Rad3 inhibitors that make cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 21, 2017

A new tool for genetically engineering the oldest branch of life

A new study successfully uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the genome of Methanosarcina acetivorans, an archaeal species, for the first time. This breakthrough enables accelerated studies on these organisms, with implications for understanding global climate change and the global carbon cycle.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

How life survives: UNC researchers confirm basic mechanism of DNA repair

Scientists from UNC School of Medicine have confirmed the functions in bacterial cells of two important excision repair proteins, Mfd and UvrD, using an advanced sequencing technique. The study provides a genome-wide map of excision repair in bacteria and highlights the potential for developing novel antibiotic drugs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2017

Initiating DNA Repair

Researchers discovered that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activates SIRT6 to repair broken DNA strands. The study found that JNK modifies a specific amino acid residue on SIRT6, allowing it to recruit the enzyme PARP1 to damaged sites.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 8, 2016

New knowledge about DNA repair can be turned into cancer inhibitors

Researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism that directs cellular DNA repair proteins to lesions in DNA, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. By understanding how this mechanism works, scientists can design small molecule inhibitors that block the function of TONSL protein and promote cancer cell death.

IBS breakthrough in the treatment of cancer

The IBS team identified baicalein as a suitable antagonist to battle malignant cancerous cells, binding to mismatched DNA and causing cancerous cells to self-destruct. The research found that baicalein significantly shrunk MutSα-deficient tumors in mice models, offering a viable option for patients with DNA MMR deficient tumors.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 14, 2016

Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics

A study published in Science reveals that a molecule called ppGpp enables bacteria to repair damage to their DNA, including that caused by antibiotics. Adjusting the action of ppGpp may make bacteria more vulnerable to existing antibiotics, potentially yielding future solutions for antibiotic resistance and degenerative diseases.