Nucleases and helicases take center stage in homologous recombination.
Homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA double-strand break repair maintains genome integrity. Although long-studied, an understanding of two essential steps in this process -- the resection of DNA ends to produce recombinogenic 3' single-stranded DNA tails and the resolution of recombination intermediates -- has remained elusive. Recent findings show an unexpected role for the Sgs1 (BLM) helicase and Dna2 nuclease in end resection, and provide mechanistic insight into the initiation of 5'-3' resection as well as its regulation by the cell cycle and the DNA damage response. Moreover, the identification of a novel Holliday junction resolvase, Yen1 (GEN1), and several helicases that dismantle strand invasion intermediates has increased the repertoire of nucleases and helicases capable of resolving recombination intermediates.
Mimitou
Eleni P
EP
Department of Microbiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Symington
Lorraine S
LS
D000818:Animals; D004265:DNA Helicases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D045565:Holliday Junction Resolvases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D045565:Holliday Junction Resolvases; D004265:DNA Helicases