Researchers from the University of Würzburg have identified how XPD protein
examines and handles the repair of DNA damage. Their findings offer the
basis for innovative ways to treat different kinds of cancer.



The body of humans has a nucleotide excision repair (NER), which detects
damaged DNA and works with other repair proteins to remove and replace
defective areas. A central component of NER is the XPD protein that
identifies and repairs severe forms of DNA damage, such as interstrand
crosslinking that can cause cancer. However, the DNA repair mechanism of the
XPD protein was still undetermined.



Würzburg scientists utilized cryo-electron microscopy to study how XPD
protein unwinds the DNA double helix to show the damaged areas of
interstrand crosslinking. The team then produced a model of how the
defective sites are detected and eliminated. Their research may enhance the
effectiveness of drugs and help with cancer treatment.



[www.nature.com]