Scientists Discover Protein Capable of Halting DNA Damage
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Researchers have identified a protein that can stop DNA damage, making it a potential candidate for cancer vaccine development, with its ability to be integrated into any organism.
The protein, named DNA damage response protein C (DdrC) in the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, is highly effective at detecting and halting DNA damage, initiating the repair process.
DdrC’s unique feature is its ability to function independently without the need for assistance from other proteins.
Researchers from Western University in Canada demonstrated that the DdrC gene can be easily transferred to other organisms to enhance their DNA repair systems.
In a significant experiment, the team introduced the DdrC gene into E. coli, resulting in the bacterium becoming over 40 times more resistant to UV radiation damage, according to biochemist Robert Szabla, the study's lead author.
"This seems to be a rare example where you have one protein and it really is like a standalone machine," Szabla said.
Unchecked DNA damage can lead to various diseases, including cancer, as UV light can damage DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
The ability to prevent or reverse such damage could be life-saving.
Szabla highlighted the potential of DdrC, stating, "What if you had a scanning system such as DdrC which patrolled your cells and neutralized damage when it happened? This might form the basis of a potential cancer vaccine."
Deinococcus radiodurans is known for its extraordinary resilience, capable of surviving radiation doses that would be lethal to human cells, and has even withstood the harsh conditions of space and Mars-like environments.
The researchers found that DdrC plays a crucial role in the bacterium’s resilience by helping to repair hundreds of broken DNA fragments into a functional genome.
Using the Canadian Light Source's powerful X-ray beam, the team examined the 3D structure of DdrC and its mechanism of action.
They discovered that the protein scans along DNA, searching for lesions, and binds to them, immobilizing the damaged segments to prevent further deterioration and signaling the cell's DNA repair mechanisms.
The successful adaptation of this mechanism could benefit genetic engineering, potentially leading to the development of cancer vaccines and climate-resilient crops.
Szabla also noted, "DdrC is just one out of hundreds of potentially useful proteins in this bacterium. The next step is to explore further and uncover more tools that could be valuable in ways we haven’t yet imagined."
