Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam

Steven Bergink

Jan H J Hoeijmakers

Gijsbertus Theodoras Johannes Van Der Horst

Mei Yin Ng

Wim Vermeulen

A method is provided for determining whether an agent is capable of inducing a DNA lesion in a eukaryotic cell, including exposing the eukaryotic cell to the agent and determining whether an HR23 protein-binding molecule accumulates in the cell, where the HR23 protein-binding molecule is preferably xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC), 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase (MAG), CREB, p53, or a functional part, derivative, and/or analogue thereof. Preferably the cell overexpresses HR23A and/or HR23B protein. A rapid and sensitive test is provided with significant advantages over the Ames test. A method is provided for determining whether an agent is capable of inhibiting a cellular process, the process resulting in accumulation of HR23 protein-binding molecule within a cell. A method for determining whether a cell has an impaired DNA repair system is provided. An impaired DNA repair system is indicative for diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosum, cockayne syndrome, and/or trichothiodystrophy.

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Rotterdam, Netherlands

Steven Bergink