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Published on: October 13, 2019
ATM protein kinase: the linchpin of cellular defenses to stress
Shahzad Bhatti1, Sergei Kozlov, Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, 1 Km Raiwind Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, Pakistan.
Abstract:
ATM is the most significant molecule involved in monitoring the genomic integrity of the cell. Any damage done to DNA relentlessly challenges the cellular machinery involved in recognition, processing and repair of these insults. ATM kinase is activated early to detect and signal lesions in DNA, arrest the cell cycle, establish DNA repair signaling and faithfully restore the damaged chromatin. ATM activation plays an important role as a barrier to tumorigenesis, metabolic syndrome and neurodegeneration. Therefore, studies of ATM-dependent DNA damage signaling pathways hold promise for treatment of a variety of debilitating diseases through the development of new therapeutics capable of modulating cellular responses to stress. In this review, we have tried to untangle the complex web of ATM signaling pathways with the purpose of pinpointing multiple roles of ATM underlying the complex phenotypes observed in AT patients.
Insights
The ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) kinase is crucial for DNA damage repair and cell cycle control. Understanding ATM signaling pathways offers potential for treating diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Genomic integrity is vital for cellular function.
- DNA damage triggers complex cellular responses.
- ATM kinase is a key regulator in DNA damage response pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate ATM signaling pathways.
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of ATM in cellular stress responses.
- To identify therapeutic targets for ATM-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ATM signaling.
- Analysis of ATM's role in DNA repair and cell cycle control.
- Examination of ATM's involvement in disease phenotypes.
Main Results:
- ATM kinase activation is an early event in DNA damage response.
- ATM signaling is essential for cell cycle arrest and DNA repair.
- Dysregulation of ATM contributes to tumorigenesis, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- ATM plays a critical role in maintaining genomic stability.
- Targeting ATM pathways presents therapeutic opportunities for various diseases.
- Further research into ATM signaling can unravel complex disease mechanisms.
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