Credit: Image courtesy of Chuan He, University of Chicago.
University of Chicago scientists determined the molecular structures of the bacterial AlkB protein and its corresponding human protein, ABH2, shown here chemically cross-linked with strands of DNA. These proteins repair damage that occurs in both healthy and cancerous cells. Both proteins bind weakly to DNA, making it difficult for scientists to identify their structures using conventional techniques. The chemical cross-linking that reinforced the complexes is shown magnified in the oval at top center. Scientists may now be able to design a molecule that interferes with the ability of the ABH2 protein to repair genetic damage in malignant cells.