On 7 February 2024, at 4:00 PM, the Association of Young Scientists and Specialists at JINR invites everyone interested to the next seminar that will take place in the Big Hall of the JINR Scientists’ Club (6, Joliot-Curie street, left side).

Candidate of Biological Sciences, Head of the Department of Radiation Biology and Physiology at LRB JINR Pavel Lobachevsky will deliver his lecture “DNA-binding radioprotectors and their mechanism of action.”

The widely known fluorescent DNA binding dye, bisbenzimide Hoechst 33342, a minor groove binder, has radioprotective properties. To interpret this observation, the hypothesis has been proposed that the radioprotective effect of this compound is mediated by the repair of radiation-induced oxidative DNA base damage by electron transfer from the DNA ligand. Taking this hypothesis into consideration, several new compounds have been synthesised with the aim of enhancing radioprotective activity by introducing electron-rich substituents into the ligand molecule. The radioprotective properties of these compounds have been demonstrated in radiobiological experiments on cell culture and in various animal models. Experiments at the molecular level have established that the protective effect of these compounds is mediated by a DNA-bound ligand. It is assumed that the radioprotector acts as an electron donor to repair oxidative DNA damage involving charge transfer along the DNA chain.

There will be a small coffee break at 4:00 PM, which precedes the seminar. The report will start at 4:15 PM.

To join the event on 7 February, please fill in the form via the link not later than 4:00 PM 6 February.

Records of AYSS seminars are available via the link