Role and regulation of cyclin F in the cellular responses to ionizing radiation (IR).

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Each cell in our body duplicates itself by copying its main information hub: the DNA. To ensure that the information contained in the DNA is not altered during the process of cell division, cells have evolved checkpoints that monitor the correct execution of DNA replication. Studies from the laboratory of Dr Vincenzo D’Angiolella have revealed how the balance of the building blocks composing the DNA molecule is maintained in the cell cycle and how this is coordinated with the execution of checkpoints. The laboratory discovered that the organized synthesis and removal of the enzymes responsible for the production of the building blocks is crucial to ensure the fidelity of DNA replication and cell survival.A characteristic feature cancer cells is the loss of checkpoints. The lack of checkpoint control provides cancer cells with a proliferative advantage at the cost of increased susceptibility to agents damaging the DNA molecule. This is exploited in cancer therapy through the use of radiation therapy.Future studies will focus on elucidating the function of genes that modulate the checkpoint responses of cancer cells to radiation therapy. These studies will reveal novel potential weakness to increase the efficacy of radiation therapy for cancer treatment.