There have been many methods developed for the measurement of DNA repair in a “test tube.” While these methods are powerful to reveal DNA repair capacity, it is limited by the fact that the complexities of the cell are not considered.
Repairing DNA damage is an essential capability for humans and other multicellular organisms. Inability to repair DNA damage can lead to cells dividing randomly and the development of both benign and malignant tumors. The David Lab at UC Davis is working on understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair as a first step in developing targeted therapies to prevent common cancers.
