DNAkorjausproteiinit

DNAkorjausproteiinit are a group of proteins responsible for identifying and repairing damage to a cell's DNA. DNA is constantly exposed to various damaging agents, including radiation, chemicals, and errors that occur during DNA replication. If left unrepaired, this damage can lead to mutations, which can have detrimental consequences for the cell, including cell death or the development of diseases like cancer.

These repair proteins work through several distinct pathways, each specialized for different types of DNA damage. For instance, base excision repair (BER) handles small, non-helix-distorting lesions, while nucleotide excision repair (NER) is more suited for bulky adducts that distort the DNA helix. Mismatch repair (MMR) corrects errors that arise during DNA replication, ensuring the fidelity of the genetic code. Double-strand breaks, a particularly dangerous form of DNA damage, are repaired by homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ).

The concerted action of DNAkorjausproteiinit is crucial for maintaining genomic stability and the overall health of an organism. Defects in these repair mechanisms can lead to increased susceptibility to cancer and other genetic disorders. Research into DNAkorjausproteiinit is an active area of study, aiming to understand their intricate functions and develop therapeutic strategies that target DNA repair pathways for disease treatment.