Fotoprotektaas

Fotoprotektaas is a protein involved in cellular protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. It plays a crucial role in the DNA repair pathways of many organisms. When DNA is exposed to UV light, it can undergo various forms of damage, such as the formation of pyrimidine dimers. Fotoprotektaas functions by directly interacting with these damaged DNA segments and facilitating their repair.

The mechanism of action for fotoprotektaas often involves photolyase activity. In many cases, it binds to the UV-induced DNA lesions and then, upon exposure to visible light of a specific wavelength, it uses energy from this light to break the covalent bonds that form the pyrimidine dimers, thereby restoring the DNA to its original state. This light-dependent repair process is known as photoreactivation.

Organisms that possess functional fotoprotektaas are generally more resistant to the harmful effects of UV radiation. This protein is found in a wide range of life forms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, and some animals. The absence or malfunction of fotoprotektaas can lead to increased susceptibility to DNA mutations, cell death, and associated conditions like skin cancer in animals. Research into fotoprotektaas continues to explore its biochemical properties and its potential applications in areas such as photochemotherapy and protecting biological materials from UV degradation.