title: DNA damage checkpoints and cancer.
abstract: DNA damage checkpoint is one of the surveillance systems to maintain genomic integrity. Checkpoint systems sense the DNA damage and execute cell cycle arrest through inhibiting the activity of cell cycle regulators. This pathway is essential for the maintenance of genome stability and prevention of tumor development. Recent studies have showed that the cellular responses towards DNA damage, such as cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and apoptosis are well coordinated. Here we describe the molecular mechanisms of checkpoint activation in response to DNA damage and the correlation between checkpoint gene mutation and genomic instability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-ku, Mizuho-cho, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
authors.forename: Midori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shimada
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakanishi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D042822:Genomic Instability; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D006657:Histones; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases