Center for Genomic Integrity

DNA is a building block for entire genome and encodes genetic codes, which determine almost every aspects of life. In some cases, DNA could be damaged by endogenous asserts such as replication errors and oxidation stresses or exogenous challenges such as radiation or toxic chemicals. If such damage were not properly repaired, cells could die or accumulate mutations that would cause aging and genetic diseases including cancers. Cells equip multiple DNA repair pathways that can sense, transduce signals, and ultimately repair damaged DNA. These pathways sometimes participate other DNA metabolisms including DNA replication, transcription, and recombination. The Center for Genomic Integrity will investigate these multiple DNA repair pathways at the molecular level using small molecules with molecular, cell biological and biochemical techniques and animal models. We anticipate our research will uncover detail molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, and recombination and come up with potential answers the origin of cancers, aging, and evolution.