Cover: The cover illustration shows the crystal structure of the human O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase at 1.9 Å. Although the exact manner of DNA binding has yet to be determined, the alkyltransferase is shown in complex with DNA in a model described by Wibley et al. in Nucleic Acids Res. (2000) 28, 393-401. This ubiquitous DNA repair protein is responsible for removing mutagenic alkyl groups from the O6-position of guanine in DNA. While essential for maintaining the integrity of the genome, high cellular levels of the protein are associated with resistance to certain alkylating drugs used in chemotherapy. The design of inhibitors for clinical use may be further assisted by this crystal structure.
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