Section “Processes of maintaining genome stability and reproduction of genetic information”

This section addresses modern advances in studying the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair and their regulation. Defects in DNA replication, DNA repair, and their regulation lead to a wide range of pathologies, including neurodegenerative and oncological diseases. Research on DNA replication and repair is critically important for understanding the mechanisms of these fundamental genetic processes, and it also has great practical potential for: (a) developing strategies to protect and preserve the genomes of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms (i.e., the hereditary memory of living systems), and (b) developing methods and pharmacological agents for treating human diseases and finding ways to overcome premature aging.

The key topics of the section include:

• modern advances in research on the mechanisms of DNA repair and replication in mammals, as well as the regulation of these processes at the cellular and chromatin levels;
• new findings in studies of the ADP-ribosylation system and enzymes of the PARP family (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases), which play a central role in regulating DNA repair, replication, and other processes responsible for genome stability;
• modern advances in the discovery—using experimental and bioinformatics methods—of selective inhibitors of PARP and other DNA repair/replication enzymes as potential drugs for the treatment of oncological and neurodegenerative diseases;
• integrative studies combining experimental and bioinformatics approaches to investigating the processes and mechanisms that generate genomic variability, as well as those that maintain genome stability and ensure faithful reproduction of genetic information, are welcomed.