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Related Concept Videos

Homologous Recombination02:31

Homologous 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...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing 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...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing 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...
Duplication of Chromatin Structure02:05

Duplication of Chromatin Structure

The process of chromosome duplication during cell division requires genome-wide disruption and re-assembly of chromatin. The chromatin structure must be accurately inherited, reassembled, and maintained in the daughter cells to ensure lineage propagation.
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Restarting Stalled Replication Forks02:37

Restarting Stalled Replication Forks

DNA replication is initiated at sites containing predefined DNA sequences known as origins of replication. DNA is unwound at these sites by the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) helicase and other factors such as Cdc45 and the associated GINS complex.The unwound single strands are protected by replication protein A (RPA) until DNA polymerase starts synthesizing DNA at the 5’ end of the strand in the same direction as the replication fork. To prevent the replication fork from falling apart, a...
Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins01:03

Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins

For successful DNA replication, the unwinding of double-stranded DNA must be accompanied by stabilization and protection of the separated single strands of the DNA. This crucial task is performed by single-strand DNA-binding (SSB) proteins. They bind to the DNA in a sequence-independent manner, which means that the nitrogenous bases of the DNA need not be present in a specific order for binding of SSB proteins to it. The binding of SSB proteins straightens single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and makes...

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Laser Microirradiation to Study In Vivo Cellular Responses to Simple and Complex DNA Damage
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Published on: January 31, 2018

Chromatin structure in double strand break repair.

Anastas Gospodinov1, Zdenko Herceg

  • 1Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.

DNA Repair
|August 8, 2013
PubMed
Summary

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) threaten genome integrity, but cells possess repair mechanisms. This review explores how chromatin changes at DNA break sites facilitate the DNA damage response (DDR) for repair and signaling.

Keywords:
CancerChromatinDNA repairDSBsHistone modifications

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Laser Microirradiation to Study In Vivo Cellular Responses to Simple and Complex DNA Damage
10:44

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Published on: January 31, 2018

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07:55

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Visualization of miniSOG Tagged DNA Repair Proteins in Combination with Electron Spectroscopic Imaging (ESI)
13:06

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cells face constant DNA damage from internal and external sources.
  • DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are particularly dangerous, potentially causing chromosomal abnormalities and cancer if unrepaired.
  • Daily, mammalian cells sustain approximately 10 DSBs, necessitating robust repair systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key findings on the role of chromatin modifications in the DNA damage response (DDR) to DSBs.
  • To examine how chromatin changes control compaction and recruit repair/signaling molecules to DNA lesions.
  • To explore the cross-talk between different functions of chromatin modulation in DDR.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on DNA double-strand breaks.
  • Analysis of research on chromatin dynamics and the DNA damage response.
  • Synthesis of findings on the dual role of chromatin in DSB repair and signaling.

Main Results:

  • Chromatin undergoes significant changes at DSB sites, influencing DNA repair.
  • These alterations help control chromatin compaction and recruit essential repair and signaling proteins.
  • The interplay between chromatin compaction and repair factor recruitment is crucial for effective DDR.

Conclusions:

  • Cellular response to DSBs involves intricate chromatin modifications.
  • Chromatin changes are instrumental in both halting cell cycle progression and facilitating DNA repair.
  • Understanding these chromatin dynamics is key to comprehending genome stability and cancer prevention.