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Mec1/ATR, the Program Manager of Nucleic Acids Inc

Wenyi Feng1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. fengw@upstate.edu.

Genes
|December 31, 2016
PubMed

Insights

The Mec1/ATR checkpoint protein is crucial for maintaining genome stability by sensing DNA damage and coordinating cellular responses. New research reveals its expanded roles in regulating RNA metabolism and replication-transcription conflicts.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Eukaryotic cells utilize cell cycle checkpoints to ensure accurate DNA replication and cell division.
  • Mec1/ATR is a conserved protein kinase essential for DNA damage response and genome stability.
  • Checkpoint activation involves Mec1/ATR orchestrating DNA repair, replication fork protection, and cell cycle arrest.

Conclusions:

  • Mec1/ATR's functions are more diverse than previously understood, extending to RNA processing and transcription-replication coordination.
  • Understanding these expanded roles is critical for comprehending genome stability maintenance.
  • The yeast model provides valuable insights into conserved Mec1/ATR functions.
Keywords:
DNA damage responseMec1/ATRR-loopcheckpointreplication–transcription conflictstress response

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