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Published on: January 31, 2018
Histone modifications in response to DNA damage
Mohammed Altaf1, Nehmé Saksouk, Jacques Côté
1Laval University Cancer Research Center, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
The packaging of the eukaryotic genome into highly condensed chromatin makes it inaccessible to the factors required for gene transcription, DNA replication, recombination and repair. Eukaryotes have developed intricate mechanisms to overcome this repressive barrier imposed by chromatin. Histone modifying enzymes and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes play key roles here as they regulate many nuclear processes by altering the chromatin structure. Significantly, these activities are integral to the process of DNA repair where histone modifications act as signals and landing platforms for various repair proteins. This review summarizes the recent developments in our understanding of histone modifications and their role in the maintenance of genome integrity.
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