A team of Canadian researchers has identified a powerful protein with the potential to transform cancer prevention and treatment. Known as DdrC (DNA damage response protein C), the molecule is capable of autonomously repairing DNA damage—a breakthrough that could one day lead to the creation of an anti-cancer vaccine.
A Protein Born From Extreme Resilience
DdrC was first discovered in Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacterium renowned for its ability to survive extreme conditions, including radiation levels 10,000 times higher than those lethal to human cells.
What makes DdrC remarkable is its ability to:
- Detect DNA breaks on its own
- Repair damage without the need for supporting proteins
- Stabilize and protect the entire genome from further harm
From Bacteria to Broader Applications
To test its versatility, scientists introduced DdrC into Escherichia coli—a common gut bacterium. The results were striking: the modified E. coli became 40 times more resistant to ultraviolet radiation. This suggests that the protein could potentially be engineered to work in higher organisms, including humans, animals, and even plants.
How It Works
Using advanced X-ray imaging, the team observed DdrC’s repair process in action:
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It rapidly locates single and double DNA strand breaks
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