The research is focused on factors involved in the generation of mutations in mammalian cells. This concerns both basic research and applied science. Basically, lesions induced by DNA damaging agents are mostly removed by DNA repair processes, but when DNA replicate, mutations occasionally occur. The processes involved during replication are rather complicated and is very much dependent on the type of lesions that block replication. DNA damage is also something that occurs due to lifestyle. We have currently research projects that evaluate biomarkers analyzed from volunteers having different diets. One of these projects is in collaboration with research groups in Europe, sponsored by EU.

To maintain DNA stability and genome integrity in mammalian cells, processes are activated to repair DNA adducts, involving hundreds of proteins which are recruited into complexes that are specific for the type of lesion.

For assessment of cancer risk to humans, experimental data are needed since reliable epidemiological data are rarely available.

Cancer is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the general population. In developed nations unsuitable diets have been identified as one of the outstanding avoidable detrimental factors.

A number of epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated the protective effects of fruits and vegetables with respect to several age related diseases. The aim of this project is to investigate the protective action of agents with potential use as functional food constituents with respect to cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.