Created "glue" capable of repairing DNA breaks

Australian scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding DNA repair mechanisms, which could change the approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers from Macquarie University discovered the surprising ability of the PDI (protein disulfide isomerase) protein to repair damaged DNA. The results of this important study were published in the scientific journal Aging Cell.

Until now, it was believed that PDI functions exclusively in the cell cytoplasm, where it helps other proteins take the correct shape. However, scientists made an unexpected discovery: this protein is able to penetrate the cell nucleus, where genetic material is stored, and actively participate in the repair of damaged DNA.

"With age, DNA micro-damages accumulate in neurons, and the mechanisms for their elimination weaken. This makes the brain particularly vulnerable," explains neurobiologist Sina Shadfar, one of the key authors of the study.

In a series of experiments, researchers demonstrated the critical role of PDI in DNA repair. When scientists removed this protein from human and mouse cells, they lost the ability to repair genetic material. When the protein was reintroduced, the repair function resumed. Similar results were obtained in experiments with zebrafish, where PDI activation effectively protected DNA from destruction.

Currently, the scientific team is working on creating innovative gene therapy that will stimulate PDI activity in specific areas of the brain using mRNA. According to the researchers, this technology could become the foundation for developing revolutionary methods for preventing aging and treating severe diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.