Impact of DNA damage on the viability and cell cycle progression of DNA repair-deficient cells

• Grant number: 25/23364-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: July 06, 2026
• End date: August 15, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Mutagenesis
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Frederico Martins Menck
• Grantee: Leticia Rodrigues Cardoso
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Maintaining genomic stability is crucial for cell survival and is ensured by complex DNA repair systems. Defects in these mechanisms are associated with various pathologies, including chromosomal instability syndromes and cancer predisposition. Cells deficient in nucleotide excision repair become hypersensitive to DNA-damaging agents. This project aims to investigate the cellular responses of an immortalized, repair-deficient cell line following exposure to two distinct genotoxic agents: one physical (ultraviolet B radiation - UVB) and one chemical (formaldehyde). Cellular responses, such as cell cycle progression, checkpoint arrest, and apoptosis induction, will be assessed by flow cytometry at 24 and 72 hours post-treatment. The results are expected to elucidate the role of the deficient repair pathway in response to these specific types of damage. (AU)