Genomic Instability
For many years, this research unit has been interested in the cellular response to DNA damage. Currently, our work focuses on understanding the regulation of nucleotide excision repair (NER) during S phase of the cell cycle in cultured human cells. NER is the only pathway in humans for removal of DNA damage caused by a multitude of ubiquitous environmental mutagens/carcinogens (e.g., solar ultraviolet light, benzo(a)pyrene) as well as by various chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin). Our research therefore has important implications for both cancer development and treatment.