DNA/RNA Damage & Repair

Direct DNA damage or RNA damage can occur due to a number of factors including oxidative stress, cellular exposure to genotoxic agents, and exposure to cytotoxic agents. Oxidative stress has been shown to be one of the greatest factors in DNA & RNA damage, and increased levels have been closely correlated to harmful environmental factors such as ionizing radiation, industrial chemicals, air pollution, cigarette smoking, and cancer chemotherapy. Measurement of DNA/RNA damage will help to further understand the mechanisms which lead to unregulated cell division or apoptosis, traits that are prominent in diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.