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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: June 8, 2018
Processing of DNA Double-Strand Breaks by the MRX Complex in a Chromatin Context
Erika Casari1, Carlo Rinaldi1, Antonio Marsella1
1Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are highly cytotoxic lesions that must be repaired to ensure genomic stability and avoid cell death. The cellular response to DSBs is initiated by the evolutionarily conserved Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2/NBS1 (MRX/MRN) complex that has structural and catalytic functions. Furthermore, it is responsible for DSB signaling through the activation of the checkpoint kinase Tel1/ATM. Here, we review functions and regulation of the MRX/MRN complex in DSB processing in a chromatin context, as well as its interplay with Tel1/ATM.
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