New DNA Repair Pathway

US Davis researchers have found a new pathway to repair DNA that was damaged by oxygen radicals. The bodys immune system composes oxygen radicals, or reactive oxygen species, which kill parasites, tumors and bacteria. The oxygen radicals are associated to cancer and aging they are also formed during metabolism and affixed too exposure to environmental toxins and radiation. The researhcers understanding the damage, could be repaired so they can have a lead on what causes some cancers. These four bases of DNA: A,T,G and C can react with oxygen radicals as well. Beal and David the head researchers came to the conclusion that the whole system works something like this: Inflammation creates oxygen radicals, which damage DNA, which is repaired by NEIL1. Inflammation also generates interferon, which induces ADAR1, which then edits NEIL1 to produce the more active, specific form to cope with more severe types of DNA base damage.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2010/11/09/new_dna_repair_pathway.html