DNA Repair

[DennisC3@aol.com]

Researchers working on the Human Genome Project discovered 130
genes dedicated to repairing human DNA, and expect that many more
will be found in future. "New clinical applications relating to
human DNA repair genes are certain to emerge," says a report from
scientists at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in England. The
human genetic code, or genome, is under constant attack not only
from cancer-causing compounds and ultraviolet light but even, to
a much lesser degree, from substances like water or oxygen. Among
the more surprising discoveries for scientists was the discovery
of four distinct repair mechanisms for one specific type of
damage. "The existence of multiple proteins with similar
activities is a recurring theme in human DNA repair," the report
says. Discovering how DNA repair genes are overactive in tumors
could lead to tailored techniques that inhibit genes, allowing
physicians to kill the otherwise-resistant cancer cells with
drugs or radiation. The researchers add that research into DNA
repair genes could help counteract aging. The team's report
appears in the journal Science.
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