This project is for research on the molecular mechanisms of cellular repair of alkylated DNA in M. Iuteus after its exposure to alkylating agents. The experiments will involve purification and characterization of enzymes which are seemingly specific to certain alkylating agents. Their structural chemistry will be studied in order to investigate the physiochemical interaction between repair proteins and DNA base adducts. These experiments will be carried out by Dr. A. Athar at the Center for Advanced Molecular Biology (CAMB) in Lahere, Pakistan. The laboratory of Dr. Lawrence Grossman at Johns Hopkins University will assist Pakistani collaborators in conducting those experiments that could not be done in Pakistan. Scope: The collaboration is beneficial to both institutions and is expected to yield information leading to better understanding of molecular mechanisms of cellular repair of alkylation damage to genetic material. The past work by the two laboratories has resulted in several joint publications.
