Research focus
DNA repair is the main interest in the group. The term DNA repair covers many different mechanisms that remove damaged or inappropriate bases from DNA. Historically, studies of DNA repair has been motivated by the need for these mechanisms in order to prevent mutations - changes in the genetic code.
But DNA repair enzymes have many other important functions in cells that are vital for basic cellular functions. For example, you would not be able to make antibodies without DNA repair.
DNA repair enzymes also contribute to regulation of chromatin architecture, regulation of gene expression, and in RNA quality control. Through these diverse functions, DNA repair protect us from disease and affect how we age
Aims
- To study whether DNA damage drive cancer development and determine response to cancer therapy.
- To study how DNA repair mechanisms protect us from aging and age-related diseases.
Key research achievements
- We have uncovered mechanisms by which failure to repair nuclear DNA can lead to progressive mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration (Presterud et al., 2024; SenGupta et al., 2021; Fang et al., 2014; Fang et al 2016).
- We have demonstrated that the DNA repair enzyme SMUG1 contributes to gene regulation and RNA quality control (Lirussi et. al., 2022, Kroustallaki et al., 2019; Jobert et al., 2013).
- We have described how base excision repair enzymes UNG and SMUG1 contribute to tumourigenesis (Durfee et al., 2023; Serebrenic et al., 2019; Safavi et al., 2000).
