How cells tolerate DNA damage: Start signal for cell survival program identified
Monday, November 16, 2009 - 21:21
in Biology & Nature
Cancer researchers in Germany have gained new insights into how cells react to DNA damage. They have shown that the protein PARP-1, which detects DNA damage within seconds, activates the transcription factor NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB triggers a survival program, which blocks programmed cell death. The activation of NF-kappaB is thought to be one of the potential causes for tumor cell resistance to chemo and radiation therapy.