The
primary research objectives of this collaborative project
are to understand, at the cellular / biochemical / chemical
level, the potential for oxidatively induced clustered DNA
damage, i.e. multiple DNA lesions formed within about one
helical turn of the DNA, and tandem lesions to compromise
the cell's ability to maintain the stability of the genome.
Using chemical/biochemical technology and imaging in cell
biology, this objective will be addressed both chemically,
biochemically and at the cellular level utilising a variety
of multi-disciplinary approaches. The research programme is
divided into four specific but complementary research areas,
each with a specific set of objectives. The research collaboration
focuses on:
1.
The
synthesis of novel precursors of DNA damage inserted into
oligonucleotides.
2.
Free
radical mechanisms of clustered damage induction using
fast reaction
techniques.
3.
Chemical
/ cell biological detection and quantification of DNA
clustered
damagein cells.
4.
Mechanisms
of biochemical processing of various types of clustered
DNA
damage
in cells (repair).
The
objectives focus on understanding in detail the biological
consequences of clustered DNA damage and tandem lesions in
cells. The multi-disciplinary collaboration between
the partners realises added European competitiveness through
bringing together expertise in the different disciplines.
The Network provides unique training opportunities and benefits
to early and experienced stage researchers interested in gaining
training in different aspects of the field through their mobility.