EUROPA CORDIS
     
 

Objectives

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
  damage in 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.