Transcription - guarding the genome by sensing DNA damage.
Cells induce the expression of DNA-repair enzymes, activate cell-cycle checkpoints and, under some circumstances, undergo apoptosis in response to DNA-damaging agents. The mechanisms by which these cellular responses are triggered are not well understood, but there is recent evidence that the transcription machinery might be used in DNA-damage surveillance and in triggering DNA-damage responses to suppress mutagenesis. Transcription might also act as a DNA-damage dosimeter where the severity of blockage determines whether or not to induce cell death. Could transcription therefore be a potential therapeutic target for anticancer strategies?
Ljungman
Mats
M
Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0936, USA. ljungman@umich.edu
Lane
David P
DP
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D017209:Apoptosis; D002453:Cell Cycle; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic