MGMT (O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase)

MGMT (O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) is a DNA repair enzyme that helps protect cells from damage caused by certain chemicals or radiation. It specifically repairs a type of DNA modification where a methyl group is added to the DNA base guanine at the O6 position. This damage can occur from chemotherapy drugs or environmental toxins. MGMT works by removing the harmful methyl group, restoring the DNA's normal structure, and preventing mutations that could lead to cancer. Its activity influences how effectively some cancer treatments work, as high MGMT levels can make tumors resistant to certain chemotherapies.