When normal cells lose the ability to repair double-strand breaks in DNA, it is likely to cause diseases like cancer or drive the progression of tumor formation. Therefore, it is necessary to make sense of where these pathways fail and perhaps, in doing so, how to prevent cancer initiation. Dr. Tanya Paull, Professor of Molecular Biosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, is working to understand the mechanisms of DNA repair and oxidative stress signaling. She and her team generate data that impacts the translational and clinical science in the field and furthermore, has the potential for transformative effects on cancer, A-T, and neurodegeneration studies. Thus, using a fundamental approach to basic research, Dr. Paull is helping to tackle some of the most pressing health-related problems of our time.

Dr. Paull’s team utilizes insights from protein biochemistry to direct experiments in mammalian cells and in yeast that decipher molecular mechanisms. In many cases, these experiments are not being conducted in other laboratories because of the challenges inherent to the biochemistry, thus the approach is very unique. Dr. Paull and her team have found a way to conduct challenging yet rewarding research that illuminates mechanism through a variety of approaches. Additionally, Dr. Paull is committed to introducing young people to molecular biology. Through her efforts, she has helped mentor young students in undergraduate and graduate careers encouraging their interests in the sciences, and fostering their development as many have reached advanced postdoctoral positions. Therefore, Dr. Paull’s legacy extends beyond the likely health impacts of her work and to educating the next generation as well.

Current research includes:

• DNA Repair: It is fundamental that every organism maintains the integrity of its genome. Double-strand breaks in chromosomal DNA are a particularly dangerous type of DNA damage, and all cells have dedicated systems that repair these breaks. In order to understand these mechanisms, Dr. Paull and her team investigate the molecular basis of these repair processes that are common to all organisms. Through her research, Dr. Paull hopes to highlight important implications for cancer to create targeted therapies.

• Signaling: Proteins within our cells are responsible for helping organisms respond and communicate the presence of both DNA damage and oxidative stress. In particular, ATM, a master regulator of the network of interactions that is often termed the “DNA damage response”  tells cells immediately when there is a lesion and responds to breaks. In addition, ATM signals oxidative stress through a separate response, a function which is disrupted in patients with Ataxia-Telangiectasia, a childhood neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. Dr. Paull studies ATM in particular to support basic research that will help patients with this disease as well as other forms of neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons disease.