Seminar of Masaoki Kawasumi - The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Masaoki Kawasumi  

 Beyond Sunscreens: From UV-Induced DNA Damage to Epigenome Editing in Skin Cancer 

Abstract:  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer. Our work examines how cells respond to UV-induced DNA damage and how these responses can be targeted for prevention and treatment. We identified ATR kinase as an important target of caffeine and found that 6-4 photoproducts are major triggers of UV-induced replication stress. We also use CRISPR-based epigenome editing to reactivate silenced tumor suppressor genes, including CDKN2A/p16, and inhibit cancer cell growth. Together, these studies connect UV-induced DNA damage with emerging molecular strategies for skin cancer prevention and treatment.