International team discovers new process that allows cells to repair DNA damage

A team of international researchers from the University of Oxford (Oxford) and NTU Singapore has discovered a new process for repairing damaged DNA, particularly relevant for patients undergoing colorectal cancer treatments.

They reported their findings in the journal CellThe researchers describe a new DNA repair process in which cells remove harmful DNA-protein lesions from a cell’s nucleus, ensuring the stability of their genetic material and promoting cell survival. The team calls this new process nucleophagy.

Nucleophagy is a natural cellular cleaning mechanism known as autophagy, essential for DNA repair and cell survival. It involves a commonly expressed protein called TEX264.

In a patient undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, the drugs cause DNA damage to form. In response, the body expresses TEX264, which activates the process of nucleophagy, guiding the damage to the cell’s waste disposal system, where it is broken down and destroyed.

The research team used advanced techniques, including biochemical, cell biological and bioinformatics tools, a zebrafish animal model and materials from colorectal cancer patients, to confirm that nucleophagy is crucial for repairing damaged DNA.

This study provides insights into a new pathway for cells to repair DNA damage, which could improve cancer treatments and lead to better patient outcomes in the future, says the research team, which includes scientists and clinicians.