2024-08-22 11:00:03
DNA repair mechanisms play an essential role in the survival of organisms, including preventing serious diseases such as cancer.
However, these processes are often limited by the complexity of the damage suffered. Currently, research seeks to better understand these mechanisms to develop new therapeutic and agricultural approaches. In this context, the recent discovery of a protein able to repair DNA opens up promising prospects.
The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, known for its ability to survive in extreme environments, is a fascinating model for scientists. This bacterium can withstand radiation 5,000 to 10,000 times higher than what would kill a human cell. Such resilience has led researchers to study the inner workings of this bacterium, in the hope of discovering DNA repair processes that could be applied to other organisms. This is how the research team led by Robert Szabla identified the protein DdrC, present in Deinococcus radiodurans, as a key player in DNA damage repair. This protein, by binding to damaged DNA fragments, prevents their further degradation and signals to other cellular mechanisms the urgency of repair. This discovery was made possible by the use of the Source of Light Canadian (CLS), which helped decipher the three-dimensional structure of DdrC.
Research has shown that DdrC works autonomously, without requiring complex protein networks to accomplish its task. The researchers tested this protein by introducing it into another bacterium, Escherichia coli. Surprisingly, DdrC gave the bacterium increased resistance to UV damage, increasing its survival ability by more than 40 times. This autonomous ability of DdrC suggests promising biotechnological applications.
The ability to introduce DdrC into other organisms, whether plants or animals, could revolutionize fields such as medicine and agriculture. By increasing the efficiency of DNA repair, this protein could serve as the basis for the creation of cancer vaccines, or even for the modification genetic crops to make them more resistant to extreme weather conditions.
However, this discovery is just the beginning. Szabla’s team plans to continue their research to explore other mechanisms present in Deinococcus radiodurans, hoping to discover other proteins useful for DNA repair. This work could ultimately transform our approach to current medical and agricultural challenges, by offering innovative solutions based on the exceptional capabilities of this bacterium.
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