Together BRCA1 and CtIP act on broken ends to enable the reconstitution of one strand of a DNA helix to generate a region of single-stranded DNA. The generation of this single stranded DNA tail, which becomes the template for repair, is a critical step in the initiation of accurate DNA repair.
By promoting the interaction of BRCA1 with CtIP it might be possible to increase the levels of accurate DNA repair and reduce the frequency of cancer causing mutations.
Lead author Dr Hiom called the findings a 'major breakthrough'.
He said: 'If you can understand how these things work better you can find their Achilles' heel. It gives us a better chance of finding the right treatment or prevention.
Source-Medindia
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