Grant: Operating Grant

All living cells transfer the information from their genetic material (DNA) into a messenger (RNA) in a process known as transcription. To ensure that this is done in an accurate manner, any damaged DNA caused by environmental exposure to agents such as UV sunlight or toxic chemicals must be repaired. In this work, we will examine how transcription and repair of damaged DNA are intimately linked to ensure the proper transfer of genetic information. We have determined that several proteins involved in DNA damage repair after exposure to sunlight function like proteins that regulate transcription, and it now appears that the these factors regulate both processes. By using common factors, it appears that the two critical processes work together to make sure that everything is performed in the correct order and the integrity of our genetic information is protected. Failure to repair the damaged DNA prior to transfer of genetic information is known to lead to a number of different cancers. This is highlighted by the fact that there are many people who have defects in their DNA repair systems who suffer from a number of different anomalies including cancer. Interestingly, it appears that several different viruses function by mimicking these factors required for both transcription and DNA repair and as a result these viral infections are associated with different forms of cancer. Our goal is to understand how transcription and repair work together and the cancers associated with mutations in these systems and viral infections.