News tagged with repair machinery

To drive infections, a hijacking virus mimics a cell's signaling system

New biological research reveals how an invading virus hijacks a cell's workings by imitating a signaling marker to defeat the body's defenses. By manipulating cell signals, the virus destroys a defensive protein designed ...

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Mar 26, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

A question of gene silencing

When investigating cancer cells, researchers discovered numerous peculiarities: Particular RNA molecules are present in large numbers, particular genes are overactive. Do these characteristics have a relation to cancer? Do ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Aug 24, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Scientists identify protein that improves DNA repair under stress

Cells in the human body are constantly being exposed to stress from environmental chemicals or errors in routine cellular processes. While stress can cause damage, it can also provide the stimulus for undoing the damage. ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Jun 16, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 10 | with audio podcast

Scientists identify key decision-point at which cells with broken DNA repair themselves or die

When cells undergo potentially catastrophic damage, for example as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation, they must make a decision: either to fix the damage or program themselves for death, a process called apoptosis.

Chemistry / Biochemistry

created Apr 10, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 1