A gene for tumour prevention
Article Abstract:
Scientific understanding regarding xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a hereditary skin disorder, has been advanced by the recent identification of the abnormal DNA sequence associated with one form of the disease. A report on this subject appears in the November 1, 1990 issue of Nature magazine. XP patients typically suffer a high incidence of skin cancers, including malignant melanoma which is associated with high mortality. The steps taken by researchers to identify the defective DNA segment in XP patients are described. Group A patients make up approximately one fourth of all XP patients. Cells from patients with group A XP cannot carry out DNA excision repair, a necessary maintenance function for restoring DNA after damaged segments have been cut out. Research on the genetic abnormalities of other XP groups is also described briefly. Some XP patients also have symptoms of Cockayne's syndrome, another genetic disorder involving light sensitivity. Research on these disorders is likely to reveal much regarding the relationship between sunlight and carcinogenesis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Instability and decay of the primary structure of DNA
Article Abstract:
A study of the instability and decay of the primary structure of DNA under certain in vivo conditions is reported. The results showed that DNA primary structure is susceptible to hydrolysis, oxidation and nonenzymatic methylation at significant rates. These are counteracted by specific DNA repair processes. Spontaneous decay of DNA may be a key factor in mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and ageing processes. It also sets limits to the possibility of recovering DNA from fossils.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Identical defects in DNA repair in xeroderma pigmentosum group G and rodent ERCC group 5
Article Abstract:
Failure of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP-G) cell extracts to complement cell extracts from ERCC rodent group 5 indicates that XP-G complementing and group 5 correcting proteins are similar. This is based on previous findings showing that DNA repair abilities can be restored by complementing protein extracts from different repair-defective cell lines. The syndrome can also be cured through the administration of protein extracts from normal cells.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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