DNA Repair & Nucleic Acid Enzymology GroupThis sub-group’s research concentrates on biological studies of DNA repair processes in mammalian cells. More specifically, the major interest is to define the roles of various protein components involved in the base excision repair (BER) machinery, and to study the interconnections among these components. To accomplish these goals, biochemical, structural, and biological studies have been integrated with experiments using DNA polymerase β (Pol β) knockout mouse fibroblasts. Understanding the role of BER, and in particular the repair polymerase Pol β, in cellular protection against genotoxic stress has important implications for accomplishing the mission of the NIEHS-NIH. When DNA base lesions are not efficiently repaired, cells undergo mutagenesis, and in some cases cell death. Depending on the tissue in question, these responses can have dire consequences for health. Utilizing biochemical, structural, and biological approaches, the long-term objectives of the group’s research are:
Base Excision Repair In Vitro images/slides Researchers: Rajenda Prasad, Esther Hou, Yuan Liu |
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