DNA repair process is initiated by enzymes, PARPs, which modify themselves and other proteins to recruit DNA repair factors to the site of the damage. We will study this early step of the process at the molecular level using structural and biophysical methods and combine our findings with cell-based experiments. DNA repair is currently targeted by many anti-cancer drugs but due to developing drug resistance new strategies are needed in the future. We will explore two new possibilities to improve efficacy of the drugs and discover small molecule inhibitors for the key events in the signaling pathway. With biochemical and cell experiments we will demonstrate both the efficacy and mechanism of action of the hit compounds. These objectives open new cancer treatment possibilities.

2022

2026