Scientists at the University of Toronto discovered something that helps repair the damaged DNA in the nuclei of cells. So far, science believes that the damaged DNA floats without direction.
What did the researchers discover that could help with the regeneration of the DNA? According to the study, they figured out an elaborate system of filaments, which are fibers that is present in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells; liquid droplet dynamics and protein connectors help regenerate some parts of the altered DNA. Through their study, researchers also want to emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary research in physics and biology.
The new study’s findings
Roxanne Oshidari and Professor Karim Mekhail have noticed the process of DNA repair. Looking at the yeast cells with a lot of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), they saw the coordination between shorter kinds of microtubule filaments and liquid similar to droplets formed of DNA repair proteins allows the production and function of a DNA rehabilitation center.
“The liquid droplets work with intranuclear microtubules to promote the clustering of damaged DNA sites,” says Profesor Mekhail. “Repair proteins at these different sites assemble in droplets that fuse into a larger repair-center droplet, through the action of the shorter nuclear microtubules.”
“You couldn’t ask for better expertise in fluid dynamics, and he was just across the road,” he added.
Study collaboration
Professor Mekhail collaborated with Nasser Ashgriz, a professor in U of T’s department of mechanical and industrial engineering, to better understand the process of DNA repairing. With his help, Mekhail and his team confirmed that finding in their lab.
“Often, when we dive deep in the specifics of a field, we get separated from one another,” Ashgriz says. “Bringing together, people with different views can really improve understanding, and this work was a good example—with credit to Karim for his vision and initiative.”
