Molecular Toxicology of Chromatin
Abstract
During the tenure of this grant period, extending previous studies, a novel physiological regulatory function of a specific DNA binding nuclear protein, ADPRT, has been uncovered, which can explain its cell physiological role as a gene regulator by way of topological modification of DNA structure. The relevance of this approach to the general theme of chromatin toxicology consists in the fact that subtle cellular responses to environmental and genetic factors do not necessarily lead only to a short term lethal outcome, but may result in sustained alteration of gene expression, leading to degenerative diseases and cancer. It was assumed that an understanding of molecular mechanisms that lead to these conditions will allow us to develop molecular pharmacological means to prevent or reverse pathophysiological processes. Results obtained during this research period provide evidence that supports above prediction. Notably the inhibition of malignant growth by specific ligands of ADPRT (185, 191) lead to a molecular pharmacological approach to the control of neoplasia and more recently of DNA- and retro-viral DNA synthesis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 04, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA211156
Entities
People
- Ernest Kun
Organizations
- San Francisco State University