Genetic information is stored in the DNA. However, many harmful chemicals alter the nature of the DNA. Interestingly, some of these chemicals are also commonly used as anticancer drugs. There are proteins inside every cell that protect DNA from such damage by repairing it. One such chemical modification is alkylation of DNA and my laboratory studies DNA alkylation repair. We use biochemical, molecular and genetic approach to study the role of DNA alkylation in many biological processes, particularly, cancer. We also translate our research outputs and develop clinical diagnostic reagents and tools aiming at the early detection of cancer.