DNA-REPAIR PROTEINS

DNA repair proteins act to correct mutagenic and toxic DNA damage, whi ch can lead to cancer, aging and death. These proteins and their mecha nisms of action have been found to be widely conserved between species , often from bacteria to man. Structural and biochemical studies on se veral bacterial enzymes involved in direct reversal and base excision repair have provided insights into the molecular basis of the recognit ion of damaged DNA and have also highlighted the novel roles that tran sition metals play in DNA repair.