Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
08:31
Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: June 8, 2018
[Repair pathways in response to DNA double-strand breaks]
Min Huang1, Ze-Hong Miao, Jian Ding
1Divisn of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan [Progress in Physiology]
|February 1, 2008
Summary
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are dangerous DNA lesions. Cells use homologous recombination repair (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways to fix DSBs, maintaining genomic integrity for potential cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Context:
- DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are critical DNA lesions.
- Exogenous and endogenous factors cause DSBs.
- Genomic integrity is vital for cellular function.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of DNA double-strand break repair pathways.
- To detail the molecular mechanisms and regulatory factors of HR and NHEJ.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of DSB repair knowledge.
Summary:
- Cells possess conserved repair systems, primarily homologous recombination repair (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), to address DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs).
- This review elucidates the intricate processes, molecular players, and regulatory elements governing HR and NHEJ pathways.
- Understanding these repair mechanisms is key to advancing cancer therapies.
Impact:
- Elucidating DSB repair pathways enhances our fundamental understanding of genome maintenance.
- Knowledge of HR and NHEJ can inform the development of targeted cancer treatments.
- This research highlights the potential for novel therapeutic strategies based on manipulating DNA repair processes.
Related Concept Videos
02:04Fixing Double-strand Breaks
The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
02:04Fixing Double-strand Breaks
The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
02:31Homologous Recombination
The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...
02:36DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
02:36DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
01:02Long-patch Base Excision Repair
Since the discovery of the two BER pathways, there has been a debate about how a cell chooses one pathway over the other and the factors determining this selection. Numerous in vitro experiments have pointed out multiple determinants for the sub-pathway selection. These are: