Scientists identified 2 DNA repair methods:

UvrD facilitates DNA

repair by pulling RNA polymerase backwards.

The Mre11 cuts in the middle of a DNA strand, it initiates a high-precision DNA-repair pathway called homologous recombination repair.

The NYU used a battery of genetic experiments to directly link UvrD to RNA polymerase.

UvrD’s pulling activity

is essential for DNA repair.

UvrD in Escherichia coli binds RNA polymerase during transcription elongation.

UvrD exposes DNA lesions shielded by blocked RNA polymerase.

Nucleotide excision repair enzymes allowing to gain access to sites of damage.

UvrD’s human analog XPB Protein is needed to prevent serious disorders.

Inherited defects in the gene that encodes for XPB have been linked to conditions such as:

- Xeroderma pigmentosum - Cockayne syndrome

- Trichothiodystrophy

“Means fewer mutations,

which also means slower

aging, less cancer, and many

other pathologies.”

Major role of RNA polymerase is to patrol the genome for DNA damage.

I think to take into account the role of RNA polymerase in the transcription process is essential to regulate and to monitor the human genome. The detection of any deviation or irregularity in this process if detected early,  may contribute more significantly in finding solutions and maintaining the integrity of the species genome.

Scientists identified how a protein complex

Mre11-Rad50

Reshapes itself to take on different DNA-repair tasks.

Mre11-Rad50 mutation:

Speeds up hydrolysis Open state High-fidelity way to repair DNA.

Slowed down hydrolysis Closed ATP-bound state Low-fidelity DNA repair.

Mre11-Rad50’s job Help fix the gravest kind of DNA breaks.

The protein complex :- Sends out a signal that stops the cell from dividing- Changes shape- Initiates DNA repair

“It’s a ‘bottom up’ way to study proteins such as Mre11-Rad50, and it could guide the development of better cancer therapies and other applications,” says Tainer.

I think that this kind of investigation represents a major step in science because understanding how a protein complex can help in the repair and reliability of DNA will help to develop methods of understanding the mechanism of action so that in the

future DNA repair will be better and safer.

 

Both news are the gateway for further molecular and medical studies to help guide in the diagnosis, treatment and support for people suffering from various diseases

The determination of some human diseases is very complex because it is due to the sum of several factors: genetic and environmental conditions, so the molecular biology from the medical point of view is very important to promote the study of DNA, treatments and therapies that relieve the suffering they cause many diseases.

This research has given hope for the treatment of diseases such as:

Xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, trichothiodystrophy and cancer; using complex and XPB proteins that are mechanisms of protection for the care of the human genome.

The study of diseases and genetics been one of the main goals of medicine throughout history, so it is necessary to continue to motivate research from molecular point of view, because it will be from her that may bring about structural changes and significant not only in the genetic material but also on the quality of life of people.

genengnews.com [Internet]. New York: NYU Langone Medical Center, 2014 [update 9 January 2014, cited 23 February 2014] Avalaible from: http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/enzyme-reverses-stalled-transcription-machinery-to-aid-dna-repair/81249345

Newscenter.lbl.gov [Internet]. Place USA: Publiser Dan Krotz, 2014 [update 3 February 2014, cited 23 February 2014] Available from:

http://newscenter.lbl.gov/news-releases/2014/02/03/dna-repair-machine/