MedicalTerminology DB
General Medical Terms Genetics & Molecular Medicine

poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase

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1 Definition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase

Meaning of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase: A type of enzyme involved in many functions of the cell, including the repair of DNA damage.

A type of enzyme involved in many functions of the cell, including the repair of DNA damage. DNA damage may be caused by normal cell actions, UV light, some anticancer drugs, and radiation used to treat cancer. Inhibitors of one enzyme, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, are being studied in the treatment of cancer. Also called PARP.

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