Researchers from Western University have discovered a protein that has the never-before-seen ability to stop DNA damage in its tracks. The finding could provide the foundation for developing everything from vaccines against cancer, to crops that can withstand the increasingly harsh growing conditions brought on by climate change.
  • threelonmusketeers@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    3·
    2 months ago

    The proposed mechanism of action:

    Turns out that DdrC scans for breaks along the DNA and when it detects one it snaps shut—like a mousetrap. This trapping action has two key functions. He explains, “It neutralizes it (the DNA damage), and prevents the break from getting damaged further. And it acts like a little molecular beacon. It tells the cell ‘Hey, over here. There’s damage. Come fix it.’”

    Interesting stuff.