RecQ helicases and topoisomerases: components of a conserved complex for the regulation of genetic recombination.
Maintenance of genomic stability relies on the efficient and accurate execution of DNA repair pathways, and is essential for cell viability and the prevention of cancer. Mutation of genes encoding RecQ helicases or topoisomerases gives rise to genomic instability through excessive recombination. Here, we review the recent biochemical and genetic evidence to indicate that these two classes of protein act in concert in a conserved pathway to maintain genomic stability by preventing inappropriate recombination.
Wu
L
L
Imperial Cancer Research Fund Laboratories, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, United Kingdom. wu@icrf.icnet.uk
Hickson
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ID
D000818:Animals; D004265:DNA Helicases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D004261:DNA Replication; D004264:DNA Topoisomerases, Type I / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D011995:Recombination, Genetic
D004265:DNA Helicases; D004264:DNA Topoisomerases, Type I