Isolated germ line of C. elegans. Damage to the DNA induces the formation of large UFD-2 complexes in C. elegans, in which the decision between DNA repair and cell death is made. The protein UFD-2 is visualized in red, whereas the DNA is made visible in blue. Picture: Leena Ackermann
The genetic information of every cell is encoded in the sequence of the DNA double helix. Double strand breaks in the DNA, which can be induced by radiation, are a dangerous threat to the cells, and if not properly repaired can lead to cancer. Damaged cells need to decide whether the breaks can be fixed or whether they should be removed by “apoptosis” before initiating cancer.
Björn Schumacher, one of the senior authors, explains: “Within seconds after an harmful incident, different mechanisms start...
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