UV-induced photoreactions of DNA-protein complexes and protein-based repair of photolesions

• Applicant: Dr. Christian Reichardt
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 85194675

UV-induced DNA-Oxidation and DNA-protein photo-crosslink-reactions are two types of important and relatively abundant forms of DNA damage implicated in cell death, aging and cancer. There is substantial evidence pointing to the importance of nucleosomal proteins such as histones in mutagenic photo-crosslinkreactions and the repair of oxidative damage to DNA. Despite great progress in the identification of the products created in DNA-protein-complexes upon exposure to UV light many gaps remain in the understanding of the elementary steps that control these reactions. A comprehensive study of the mechanistic details of these key biological reactions with state-of-the-art biophysical and optical methods will contribute significantly to the understanding of DNA-protein photobiology and its interactions, as well as the phenomenon of biological electron transfer and repair. The ability to directly observe excited state dynamics and reactive intermediate species using ultrafast laser techniques creates new opportunities for obtaining solutions to these complex problems.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Carlos E. Crespo-Hernández