For the first time, researchers in Ohaio State University have observed how the enzyme, called photolyase, functions at the atomic level to repair sun-damaged DNA. They took a series of snapshots using ultrafast light pulses to examine how the enzyme injects a single electron and proton into a damaged strand of DNA; harnessing photons to fix a damaged double helix.
In effect, UV light damages skin by causing chemical bonds to form in the incompatible places along the DNA molecules in our cells. This study has yet revealed that photolyase fix those destructive bonds in certain places to cause the atoms in the DNA to move back into their original positions.
Now that researches know the mechanisms by which this enzyme works, they might use this information to design drugs or lotions that heal sun damage. For example, a sunscreen containing photolyase could potentially heal some of the damage from UV rays; instead of merely reflecting the UV light as current sunscreens are made to do.
For more information, visit:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=subatomic-sunscreen-how-light-parti-2010-07-25
Posted by
Takanori Yamamoto
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