DNA repair mechanisms in C. elegans

Abstract

DNA is the carrier of genetic information. DNA is constantly damaged by, for example, UV light and X-rays. Cells can utilize a large number of proteins that can repair the damages, thereby avoiding changes in the DNA sequence. Damages that are not repaired result in an increase in the number of mutations. Mutations can lead to the transformation of a normal cell to a tumor cell. This becomes clear with the observation that genes involved in DNA repair are often mutated in tumors, and that genetic forms of cancer are related to mutations in these genes. In this thesis, several DNA repair mechanisms are studied. These studies are performed in the model organism C. elegans. The nematode C. elegans has many genes in common with humans and it can easily be used in large genetic studies. The studies have resulted in the identification and characterization of new genes involved in DNA repair.