Abstract
Human XPA is a protein engaged in DNA damage recognition and repair. A mutation in the gene encoding the protein causes an autosomal recessive disorder, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), which renders an individual sensitive to sunlight and causes skin cancer. XPA is a 273 amino acid protein, which is predominantly localized in the nucleus. It is expressed at both high and moderate levels in several tissues. The protein serves as a damage sensor in a nucleotide excision repair mechanism, through which the damage to a DNA strand is verified and repaired by formation of a newly synthesized strand. Besides this primary NER mechanism, XPA in conjunction ...