We rationalized that if the integrin α6β4 is using the BER pathway to activate specific genes, the integrin may also enhance DNA repair in response to DNA damage. Therefore, we induced oxidative damage, which is repaired by the BER pathway, by exposing cells to 500 μM H2O2 over seven days and measuring cell viability by MTT assay. We observed a modest decrease in cell number in Panc1-3D7 cells; however, this H2O2 treatment nearly abolished Panc1-2G6 cells, indicating a decreased ability to survive insult by oxidative stress (Fig. 7A). To measure DNA repair more directly, we examined NER dependent DNA repair by exposing cells to 30 J/m2 UV light and measuring resolution of 6-4 photoproducts over time. As illustrated in Fig. 7B, Panc1-3D7 cells resolved UV induced lesions more rapidly than Panc1-2G6 cells, with a difference in half-life of about 1 hour. Taken together, these data indicate that the integrin α6β4 can both utilize DNA repair, and enhance the ability of cells to respond to, repair, and survive DNA damage.Figure 7Integrin α6β4 promotes DNA repair and cell survival in response to DNA damage. (A) Cells were treated with 500 μM H2O2 in fresh medium daily for 7 days. Each day cell proliferation was measured by MTT colorimetric assay. (B) Cells were exposed to 30 J/m2 UV light and DNA isolated at indicated time points. Slot blot assay was performed using antibody for 6-4 photoproducts and percent repair compared to damage achieved immediately after exposure (0 hr).