Researchers at the University of Iowa have uncovered a novel double-ring structure in the DNA repair protein RAD52, offering new insights into cancer cell survival mechanisms. Utilizing advanced cryogenic electron microscopy, the team observed that RAD52 forms two connected rings, each comprising 11 protein units, which encircle the DNA replication fork. This configuration appears to stabilize the replication process, enabling cancer cells to endure even when conventional DNA repair pathways are compromised.
This discovery is particularly significant for cancers with defective BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, such as certain breast, ovarian, and brain cancers, where RAD52 becomes essential for DNA repair. By elucidating the unique structure and function of RAD52, scientists can now design targeted therapies aimed at inhibiting this protein. Such treatments could disrupt the DNA repair processes in cancer cells, leading to their demise while sparing healthy cells, thereby offering a promising avenue for developing more effective and less toxic cancer therapies. Click for More Details
