Professor David Lilley

Nucleic Acid Structure Research Group
University of Dundee
Dundee

DNA repair: the first line of defence against cancer

Professor David Lilley is investigating how cells repair their DNA when it gets damaged. DNA repair is crucial for preventing genetic faults that can lead to cancer. Professor Lilley leads a world-class group of scientists at the University of Dundee, and their research into the processes at the heart of cancer will pave the way for new approaches to treating the disease.

Cancer starts when a cell’s DNA - its genetic ‘instruction manual’ - becomes faulty. This can happen when cells are making copies of themselves, or when the DNA is damaged by things around us, such as chemicals in cigarette smoke or UV light from the sun. Luckily, cells are often able to repair this damage.

Professor Lilley’s team is studying the shapes of protein molecules that help to repair damaged DNA. They are using sophisticated lab techniques, such as taking X-ray images of proteins – a technique known as X-ray crystallography – as well as using powerful microscopes.

Studying the shapes of proteins

The shape of a protein can give vital clues to how it does its job in a cell, and the team have made several important discoveries in this area. They have discovered the structure of a key protein involved in DNA repair, and figured out how it interacts with DNA. The next step is to look at other similar proteins to understand their roles in this complex process.

Professor Lilley’s work is answering fundamental questions about how cells protect themselves against DNA damage, shedding light on our body’s defences against cancer.