The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK): More than just a case of making ends meet?
The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) has a vital role in DNA double strand break repair and in mediating V(D) J recombination events. Over the years a body of data has implicated DNA-PK playing a significant role in mediating a p53-dependent apoptotic response under a range of cellular conditions including exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), environmental carcinogens and chemotherapeutic agents or in cells that have critically shortened telomeres. These findings raise the hypothesis that DNA-PK acts as both a sensor and transmitter of DNA damage signals that directly impact cell fate. These many overlapping roles are discussed and considered in this review article.
Hill
Richard
R
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, USA.
Lee
Patrick W K
PW
D017209:Apoptosis; D053903:DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; D004260:DNA Repair; D051747:DNA-Activated Protein Kinase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016615:Telomere / Q000378:metabolism; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism
D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D051747:DNA-Activated Protein Kinase