NEIL1s

NEIL1, also known as NEIL1s or DNA glycosylase NEIL1, is a human gene that encodes a DNA glycosylase enzyme. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the base excision repair (BER) pathway, which is a major cellular mechanism for repairing damaged DNA. Specifically, NEIL1 is responsible for removing oxidized pyrimidines, such as 8-oxoguanine and thymine glycol, from DNA. These oxidative lesions can arise from normal metabolic processes or from exposure to reactive oxygen species and ionizing radiation.

The NEIL1 enzyme functions by recognizing and excising the damaged base from the DNA backbone. This creates an abasic site, which is then further processed by other enzymes in the BER pathway to repair the DNA strand. NEIL1 is particularly important for removing oxidative damage in actively transcribed genes, suggesting a role in maintaining genome stability and preventing mutations that could lead to disease.

Research has indicated that NEIL1 may also be involved in other cellular processes beyond DNA repair, including apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. Aberrant expression or function of NEIL1 has been implicated in various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its significance in maintaining cellular health and preventing disease development. Studies continue to explore the full spectrum of NEIL1's functions and its therapeutic potential.