The Role of FEN1 in Genome Stability and as an Anticancer Target

Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is a structure-specific nuclease fundamental for DNA replication and repair. FEN1 is attributed as an essential protein for maintaining genome stability due to its activities during cellular DNA metabolism. Dysregulation of FEN1 is linked to carcinogenesis, and haploinsufficiency of FEN1 in mice leads to the rapid onset of tumours. However, it is the overexpression of FEN1 in various cancer types that has resulted in it being postulated as a therapeutic target. Structural studies considering the functions and mechanisms of FEN1 are ongoing and the main aim of my research will be to generate, purify and crystallise untagged human FEN1. It is then postulated that this crystal structure can be used as a drugs target using structure-based drug design.