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Rampant helper syndrome

Researchers have discovered that the methane-producing molecule deazaflavin is also involved in DNA repair processes in eukaryotes. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that deazaflavin is unique to methanogenic bacteria, and has significant implications for our understanding of cellular metabolism and DNA repair.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2009

U of Alberta study discovers how proteins help repair DNA

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered how proteins recognize and repair damaged DNA. The proteins bend the DNA double helix to amplify damage recognition, enabling the next protein to cut out the damaged section. This process can be used to develop new cancer treatments and disease prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Stopgap DNA repair needs a second step

A recent study by Prof. Zvi Livneh reveals the two-step mechanism of stopgap DNA repair, a major source of mutations in cells. Understanding this process can lead to enhanced treatment options for individuals with deficient natural DNA repair, as well as improved chemotherapy effectiveness against cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 4, 2009

Purple extremist thrives under inhospitable conditions

Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research identify enzyme that requires acids and dissolved metals to function, repairing genetic damage under extreme conditions. This discovery opens up new possibilities for biotechnological applications and potential treatments for diseases characterized by over-acidification.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2008

Is DNA repair a substitute for sex?

Researchers propose that bdelloid rotifers' efficient DNA repair capacity and whole-genome duplication enable them to thrive without sex. Their extraordinary resistance to radiation and ability to survive desiccation suggest that their DNA repair mechanism may provide the benefits of sex.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2008

Where broken DNA is repaired

Studies show that double-strand breaks and radiation-induced foci occur at specific regions of the nucleus for repair, contradicting previous assumptions of random distribution. The findings suggest a time effect, with microscope images showing nonrandom distribution of RIF within five minutes of exposure to high-energy particles.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 2, 2007

Unknotting DNA clue to cancer syndrome

Researchers found that when a specific helicase is defective, yeast chromosomes become more prone to exchanging strands during DNA repair, increasing the risk of chromosomal rearrangements. This fundamental insight into DNA-break repair may provide new avenues for understanding early-onset cancer syndromes like Bloom's syndrome.

Chromosome glue repairs damaged DNA

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way chromosomes are repaired after damage, contrary to the long-held view that cohesion only occurs during cell division. The discovery shows cohesin reactsivate when DNA breaks, allowing cells to fix damaged sister chromatids.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2007