A group of Swedish and Russian scientists led by Sergey Nikolaev argue that the APOBEC protein, which normally protects against viruses, takes advantage of DNA replication weaknesses to insert mutations into the genome. The APOBEC protein acts when the lagging strand is single-stranded, causing early mutations in important genes. Studying yeast cells provided new insights into how replication can go wrong and when. Understanding DNA replication could help intervene in copying errors to ensure proper genome replication and improve patient quality of life. Further research on proteins influencing replication errors may help prevent cancers.

1. Yolanda Valderrama Henao
Med. Student UPB
000265534

6. A group of Swedish and Russian scientists led by
Sergey Nikolaev, a geneticist at the University of
Geneva, Switzerland, argue that the APOBEC
protein that normally functions as a protective
agent against viral infection takes advantage of a
weakness in the process of DNA replication to enter
mutations in the genome.

8. The protein APOBEC Takes advantage of the moment when the lagging
strand remains single to mutations.
In APOBEC cancers, mutations occur very early in the process of
replication and affect important genes.

9. STUDENT OBSERVATION
I found very interesting that there are new studies on the process of replication
and a protein that normally functions as a protective agent is now involved in this
process causing cancer and DNA damage.

11. The scientists studied the proteins in yeast
cells that has many characteristics with
human cells, that providing a new vision of
the replication process and when and how
can go wrong.

13. One part of the helicase binds and releases energy from a molecule
called ATP. It converts the chemical energy into a mechanical force
that changes the shape of the helicase. After kicking out the spent ATP,
the helicase complex goes back to its original shape so a new ATP
molecule can come in and start the process again

14. STUDENT OBSERVATION
I agree with the scientists who believe that it is
important studying the details of the DNA
replication because that can help to understand
how errors occur in order to prevent it ensuring
proper replication of the genome.

16. If we can understand the process of DNA
replication we can intervene in copying errors
that occur during replication guaranteeing the
patient a better quality of life.
With the discovery of new proteins that
influence replication errors we can find ways to
prevent this so we can fight cancers

18. These studies are made to support medicine and health
patient and thanks to research of DNA replication we can fight
diseases that historically have finished the lives of many
people.