Edward Gao

DNA repair enzymes are responsible for correcting damages in our genome, which can be caused by either random mistakes during cell replication or exposure to external mutagens. Malfunctions of these enzymes have significant implications in cancer: deficiencies in some DNA repair enzymes will lead to the accumulation of harmful mutations, while enhanced activities of other enzymes confer resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs. The Kool lab has developed technologies for reliable and real-time monitoring of DNA repair enzyme activities. My research will combine these methods with techniques in organic synthesis to design small-molecule activators and inhibitors of these enzymes, which present an attractive strategy for cancer prevention and treatment.