The primary goal of the DNA Damage Signalling Group is to exploit tumour defects for targeted treatment of cancer. Virtually all cancers have a defect the DNA damage response, by mutations in tumour suppressor genes. The defect in DNA damage signalling or repair weakens the ability of the cancer cell to properly replicate DNA, resulting in genetic instability that drives cancer progression. In this project we uncover cancer specific signalling and repair pathways that are targeted for novel anti-cancer treatments. The project involves identification of DNA lesions formed during replication and characterisation of DNA damage signalling and repair pathways activated by these lesions. The group is engaged in understanding basic concepts of DNA damage signalling and repair as well as conducting pre-clinical trials, to translate our basic discoveries to the clinic.
Selected references
Bryant, H.E., Schultz, N, Thomas, H.D., Parker, K.M., Flower, D., Lopez, E., Kyle, S., Meuth, M., Curtin, N.J., Helleday, T. (2005) Specific killing of BRCA2-deficient tumours with inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase Nature, 434, 913-7.
Helleday T, Petermann E, Lundin C, Hodgson B, Sharma RA. (2008) DNA repair pathways as targets for cancer therapy. Nature Reviews Cancer. 8, 193-204.
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