DNA damage and repair in central nervous system injury: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Workshop Summary.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

DNA damage and repair are areas of research with important implications for stroke and cerebral trauma. DNA damage is present in central nervous system (CNS) injury, and defects in repair mechanisms are associated with neurodegenerative disease.

METHODS

A workshop, DNA Damage and Repair in CNS Injury, was organized by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, Md, on September 11, 1995. The objective of this workshop was to promote inquiry and to foster application of research in DNA damage and repair after stroke and trauma.

RESULTS

The participants discussed the connection between the fields of DNA damage and repair and stroke and trauma and identified gaps in knowledge to be filled to expand research of DNA damage and repair in CNS injury. Specific recommendations were made targeting research opportunities in the areas of DNA repair and damage in stroke and trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

Research in the science of DNA injury and repair will likely provide new and important information on mechanisms of cell damage and provide opportunities for the development of novel and effective therapies to reduce CNS injury in stroke and trauma.