Researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany have found that a protein complex prevents the repair of genomic damage in human cells, mice, and nematodes. They also successfully suppressed this complex using a drug for the first time. The related paper was published in the 23rd issue of the journal Nature, Structural and Molecular Biology. Researchers say that when the so-called DREAM complex in somatic cells is suppressed, various repair mechanisms are activated, making these cells highly adaptable, resilient, or reparative to various DNA damage. The new findings are the first to enable people to improve DNA repair in human cells in response to the causes of aging and cancer development. However, more research is needed before these results can be translated into new therapies for human patients. DNA damage can lead to aging and disease, and DNA repair is essential for the stability of the human genome and the function of cells. Human genetic material is passed on from generation to generation because highly precise DNA repair mechanisms in reproductive cells are at work, ensuring that only minimal changes in genetic material are passed on to future generations. Thanks to DNA repair, the human genome has been inherited from its ancestors for 200000 years. Sometimes, babies are born with defects in their DNA repair system, causing them to age faster and develop typical age related diseases during childhood, such as neurodegeneration and arteriosclerosis. In some cases, their risk of cancer also increases significantly. These are the consequences of DNA damage not being properly repaired. The research team explored why somatic cells do not have the same repair mechanism as germ cells. In experiments with nematodes, they found that the DREAM complex limits the number of DNA repair mechanisms in cells in the body. However, germ cells do not have the DREAM complex. Therefore, they naturally generate a large number of DNA repair mechanisms. In further experiments on human cells (cell culture), researchers found that the DREAM complex functions in the same way in human cells. Researchers say human cells are much more resilient, resilient, or repairable to DNA damage after treatment. Using DREAM complex inhibitors to treat retinal degeneration mice also showed amazing results: DNA in the retina of the mice was repaired, and eye function was preserved. Researchers say therapies targeting and improving newly discovered DNA repair master regulators can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, because cells can only function when their genomes are intact, it will also reduce the risk of aging related diseases. (Liao Xinshe)