Although the synthesis of DNA precursors is
closely coordinated with DNA replication, it is still
not clear whether deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates
(dNTPs) influence DNA replication independently of
their interactions with DNA polymerase catalytic sites.
In an effort to understand the extent to which rate and
fidelity of DNA replication are regulated...
DNA damage, if not repaired, can become a mutation. Mutation
accumulation is associated with initiation and progression of tumorigenesis. DNA
mismatch repair (MMR) is required for maintaining genetic stability by repairing
replication errors. Biochemical studies have shown that MMR also recognizes
mismatch-causing DNA lesions, suggesting the role of MMR in...
A crucial factor in determining the accuracy of DNA replication is
maintenance of a balanced supply of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates
(dNTPs) at replication forks. Perturbation of dNTP biosynthesis can
induce dNTP pool imbalance with deleterious genetic consequences,
including increased mutagenesis, recombination, chromosomal
abnormalities and cell death. Using the T4 bacteriophage system,...
The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway maintains genomic stability and
reduces cancer risk (colorectal and other internal cancers) by correcting polymerase
errors and activating cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis in response to DNA damage.
Few studies have examined the influence of commonly encountered environmental
mutagens/carcinogens on the etiology of MMR-deficient...
Mismatch repair (MMR) system performs mainly three roles to maintain
genomic stability, correct DNA biosynthetic errors, ensure the fidelity of
genetic recombination, and in mammalian cells participate in the cellular
response to some DNA damages. Deficiencies in mismatch repair increase
mutation rates and cancer risks. In eukaryotes, the MMR system...
Pesticides are among the most pervasive environmental contaminants and they are an important potential risk for human health. Agricultural workers are constantly exposed to pesticide spray, drift and residues in the soil and foliage. Many agricultural pesticides are readily absorbed by the body, through contact with the skin, the respiratory...
Approximately 12% of Americans do not consume the amount of zinc equal to the Estimated Average Requirement for zinc and could be at risk for marginal zinc deficiency. Zinc is an essential component of proteins in the defense against oxidative stress and DNA damage repair. Specifically in the prostate, zinc...