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Ivan Ahel

DNA damage response mechanisms

Our laboratory utilises biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and animal models (mouse, fish and Drosophila) to study pathways and protein functions underlying genome stability, and which are regulated by a type of post-translational protein modification called ADP-ribosylation. ADP-ribosylation is performed by several families of enzymes including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Our research covers specific areas including the characterisation of novel DNA repair factors regulated by PARPs, understanding the regulation of how protein ADP-ribosylation is reversed, novel functions of PARP proteins beyond DNA repair, and the role of protein ADP-ribosylation in regulating oxidative stress and microbial pathogenesis. Our aim is to provide a mechanistic understanding of these processes as well as providing a platform for targeting them to develop ways of treating and preventing disease.