Emergency Response

Our DNA is constantly being damaged, and failure to fix it can cause mutations, leading to cancer. But cells have numerous safety nets, like the DNA damage response (DDR), a cascade of proteins that summon a molecular toolkit to the flaw and, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which stops them dividing until the DNA is fixed. Examining microscopic worms called C. elegans researchers have found that the DDR and SAC work together. The image shows worm cells in purple, and the bright spots on the left show where DNA is being repaired. These worms are missing components of the SAC (top) and DDR (middle and bottom). They’ve all got more damaged DNA sites than normal worms. So not only do they overhaul, SAC and DDR also help prevent damage. As some chemotherapies work by kick-starting DDR and SAC to kill damaged cells, this knowledge could help optimise cancer treatments.

Written by Esther Redhouse White

Esther Redhouse White

Writer

A recent Biochemistry graduate from York, Esther has worked on bacterial killing proteins and genetic switches in worms. In her spare time she likes visiting museums full of skeletons.

• Image adapted from work by Katherine Lawrence, Thinh Chau and JoAnne Engebrecht
• University of California, Davis
• Originally published under a Creative Commons Licence (BY 4.0)
• Research published in PLOS Genetics, April 2015