The cells in our bodies are constantly being exposed to agents that damage our DNA, such as sunlight, or chemicals, in for example cigarette smoke, and also agents that occur naturally as part of normal cell metabolism. Cells have evolved a complex system, termed the DNA damage response (DDR) that detects DNA damage, signals its presence to the cell and sets about repairing this damage. The DDR is crucial for cell survival and to guard against cancer.
In the Jackson Group we are trying to understand how cells respond when their DNA is damaged, in particular how proteins signal and repair DNA double strand breaks. It is hoped that, together with the work of others, such research will indicate how defects in the DNA damage response can lead to diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and premature ageing, and how such diseases might be better diagnosed and treated.