HARPing on about the DNA damage response during replication.
In this issue of Genes & Development, four papers report that the annealing helicase HepA-related protein (HARP, also known as SMARCAL1 [SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a-like 1]) binds directly to the ssDNA-binding protein Replication protein A (RPA) and is recruited to sites of replicative stress. Knockdown of HARP results in hypersensitivity to multiple DNA-damaging agents and defects in fork stability or restart. These exciting insights reveal a key new player in the S-phase DNA damage response.
Driscoll
Robert
R
Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
Cimprich
Karlene A
KA
D004249:DNA Damage; D004265:DNA Helicases / Q000378:metabolism*; D004261:DNA Replication; D016196:S Phase / Q000502:physiology
D004265:DNA Helicases