Work

Mechanisms of eukaryotic DNA double strand break repair

Year: 2006

Type: review

Abstract: For all cells, a DNA double strand break (DSB) is a dangerous lesion that can have profound consequences for the genome. If a DSB is encountered during mitosis, chromosomal separation may be adversely affected. Alternatively, during S phase a DSB may cause replication fork stalling or collapse. Improperly repaired DSBs can result in chromosomal rearrangements, senescence or activation of apoptotic pathways. Cells have developed sophisticated recombination pathways to metabolize and repair DSBs quickly as well as the capacity to differentiate physiologically occurring breaks from life threatening lesions. The two major pathways of recombination repair are known as non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). In this review, we will discuss the detection, response, and repair of DSBs in eukaryotes.

Source: Frontiers in bioscience

DOI: 10.2741/1938

Author: Dana Cahill

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: DNA Repair Mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute