Ultraviolet light from the sun is a ubiquitous carcinogen that can inflict structural damage to the cellular DNA. It is one of the oldest known source of gene mutation.
Failure in removing and restoring damaged parts of DNA in a timely fashion can have detrimental outcomes and lead to skin cancers.
A breakthrough study, led by the Min Research Group and Dr. Jung-Hyun Min, has garnered a better understanding of how sunlight-induced DNA damage is initially recognized for repair in cells.
Dr. Min joins Dr. Roizen to discuss the study's findings. She also shares some of the other causes of DNA structural damage, including free radicals (pollution, cigarette smoke, red meat, grilled meats).
Bonus
5 Sneaky Threats to Your Heart Health
EP 957B - Sun-Induced DNA Damage and Cell Repair
Featuring:
Jung-Hyun Min, PhD
Jung-Hyun Min, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Baylor College of Arts & Sciences. The Min Research Group seeks to understand how cellular DNA repair works by investigating the structures and dynamics of protein-DNA complexes involved in DNA damage sensing and repair using X-ray crystallography and various biochemical/biophysical techniques. Tagged under