Detector of DNA damage: Structure of a repair factor revealed

Sun 15th Jul, 2012

There are various types of damage to DNA, and DNA strand breaks are one of them, involving a cut in one or both DNA strands. Double-strand breaks in cellular DNA are especially dangerous and can trigger tumorigenesis, the process involved in the production of a new tumor or tumors.


Researchers from The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) have now determined the structure of a protein involved in the repair and signaling of DNA double-strand breaks. The work throws new light on the origins of neurodegenerative diseases and certain tumor types.


Agents such as radiation or environmental toxins can cause double-stranded breaks in genomic DNA, which facilitate the development of tumors or the neurodegenerative disorders ataxia telangiectasia (AT) and AT-like disease (ATLD). Hence efficient repair mechanisms are essential for cell survival and function. The so-called MRN complex is an important component of one such system, and its structure has just been elucidated by a team led by Professor Karl-Peter Hopfner of LMU's Gene Center.


Urgent Need for Reform in German Pharmacy Sector Amidst Financial Strain

At the recent German Pharmacists' Day (DAT) held in Düsseldorf, Health Minister Nina Warken outlined essential points for the pharmacy reform. However, the anticipated increase in the base fee for...

Laumann Advocates for a Modernized Compensation System for Pharmacies

Karl-Josef Laumann, the Minister of Health for North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasized the importance of developing a modern compensation system for pharmacies during his address at the Expopharm...

Research Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy of Laser Eye Surgery for Teenagers

A recent comprehensive study has revealed that laser eye surgery is not only safe but also effective for older teenagers suffering from short-sightedness, commonly known as myopia. This finding was...

Current State of Pharmacies Discussed by ABDA President Thomas Preis

In recent discussions, Thomas Preis, the president of the German Federal Association of Pharmacies (ABDA), shed light on the troubling state of pharmacies in Germany during appearances on various...

Federal Health Minister Warken Unveils Pharmacy Reform Plans

Federal Health Minister Nina Warken has taken a proactive approach by directly engaging with pharmacists to present the key elements of the upcoming pharmacy reform. Unlike her predecessor, Karl...

Innovative Antibody Delivery Method Enhances Brain Penetration

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a significant challenge for therapeutic antibodies, often limiting their effectiveness in treating neurological conditions. Recent advancements have introduced a...

More Quick Read Articles »
German PKV Insurance

German Private Health Insurance

Health Insurance in Germany is compulsory and sometimes complicated, not to mention expensive. As an expat, you are required to navigate this landscape within weeks of arriving, so check our FAQ on PKV. For our guide on resources and access to agents who can give you a competitive quote, try our PKV Cost comparison tool.

Hospitals

Hospital and Clinic Directory

Germany is famous for its medical expertise and extensive number of hospitals and clinics. See this comprehensive directory of hospitals and clinics across the country, complete with links to their websites, addresses, contact info, and specializations/services.

Events

Upcoming Events

SPIELART Festival München

The SPIELART Festival in Munich, held from October 17 to November 1, 2025, under the theme "Some kind of tomorrow," gathers artistic positions from contemporary theater forms both domestically and internationally. This festival invites reflection on our current state and future...