APE/Ref-1 protein and ischemia/reperfusion injury of neurons in the brain

Cerebral ischemia and the aftermath of reperfusion form a hypoxic/hyperoxic sequence of events that can trigger DNA damage in neurons of central nervous system. Neuronal apoptosis will happen without immediate DNA repair. APE/Ref-1 is a multifunctional protein involoved in DNA base excision repair pathway and in redox reguiation of DNA-binding activity of AP-1 family members, which may play an important role in protection of postischemic neuronal damage.