Unfolding
the secrets of DNA.
Tightly folded, a strand of DNA contracts to a dot so small it
fits inside a cell's nucleus. If this blueprint of life becomes
damaged, healing enzymes locate and repair the injury. But before
repair can happen, the DNA strand must unfold. That groundbreaking
discovery, made by Michael Smerdon, opened a sea of new possibilities
in research for cancer prevention and treatment. Repair of DNA
defends our bodies against potential cell mutations and cancer.
By understanding prerequisites to DNA repair, researchers may
dramatically advance the quest for a cancer cure. Professor Smerdon
continues to explore the role played by the packaging of DNA
in the repair process. His research may reveal why some damaged
DNA strands in human cells elude repair for a long time. Such
long-lived DNA injuries can ultimately lead to cancer.
