Chemical and Cancer Biology Branch
Institute for Basic Science - Center for Genomic Integrity
Laboratory environment
Schärer
Laboratory
Dr. Orlando D. Schärer
DNA repair pathways have evolved to counteract the constant threat of endogenous and exogenous DNA damaging agents and defects in DNA repair pathways are associated with cancer-prone disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum or Fanconi anemia. Conversely, DNA repair enzymes also counteract the effect of antitumor agents. Research in our laboratories aims to develop a deep fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair pathway and leverage this knowledge to improve cancer therapy.
Takata
Laboratory
Dr. Kei-ichi Takata
We aim to understand the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). DSBs and ICLs, which are induced by multiple cancer therapies are a particularly deleterious form of DNA damage that can result in cell death if not repaired. Additionally, the repair process itself can result in deletions, insertions and translocations, hallmarks of genomic instability that are often found in cancer. A better understanding of how cells die as a result of DSBs and ICLs or survive with increased genomic instability will lead to improved procedures for cancer treatment and prevention.
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