DNA Damage Signaling and Repair Core

The DNA Damage Signaling and Repair Core is dedicated to advancing the study of DNA damage and repair in the context of aging by providing specialized, quality-controlled platforms for cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) assays. The core aims to support aging researchers by developing and validating custom reagents (e.g., metal-tagged antibodies), offering training, and enabling both centralized and decentralized use of these technologies. Through CyTOF, Core D allows for highly multiplexed, single-cell protein analysis that overcomes limitations of traditional flow cytometry and gene expression methods, offering a more direct and functionally relevant assessment of DNA damage, DDR signaling, and senescence. This includes cellular localization and post-translational modification of key proteins—essential aspects of understanding the biological processes of aging.

In parallel, Core D provides access to a validated, functional NER assay that measures the cell's capacity to repair bulky DNA adducts—damage linked to aging and age-related diseases. Given NER’s involvement in genomic integrity, cancer susceptibility, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease, this assay enables aging researchers to assess DNA repair capacity across multiple species and cell types, making it highly applicable to longitudinal aging studies and therapeutic intervention assessments. The core also offers training in assay use and data interpretation, and plans to increase assay throughput for population-scale studies.

The Cytometry by Time of Flight (CyTOF) Core maintains a quality-controlled platform and custom reagents for the assessment of DNA damage and repair-associated proteins. This assay will build the foundation on which additional functional DNA repair assays (e.g. base excision repair, DNA double-strand break repair, DNA inter-strand crosslink repair) can be used in aging studies. Proper samples preparation is critical for quality data output and coordination with Core staff prior to sample shipment is mandatory. 

The Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) assay measures the ability of cells to repair ultraviolet radiation induced DNA damage. The NER assay can be used in multiple cell types and species and provides an important measurement of DNA repair that is relevant for longevity and healthy aging.  Successful data output is dependent on proper preparation and handling of samples being sent to the NER core.  Please contact the UMN NSC Program Manager to arrange a successful collaboration.