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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: June 8, 2018
Coupling DNA Damage and Repair: an Essential Safeguard during Programmed DNA Double-Strand Breaks?
Mireille Bétermier1, Valérie Borde2, Jean-Pierre de Villartay3
1Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
Abstract:
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most toxic DNA lesions given their oncogenic potential. Nevertheless, programmed DSBs (prDSBs) contribute to several biological processes. Formation of prDSBs is the 'price to pay' to achieve these essential biological functions. Generated by domesticated PiggyBac transposases, prDSBs have been integrated in the life cycle of ciliates. Created by Spo11 during meiotic recombination, they constitute a driving force of evolution and ensure balanced chromosome content for successful reproduction. Produced by the RAG1/2 recombinase, they are required for the development of the adaptive immune system in many species. The coevolution of processes that couple introduction of prDSBs to their accurate repair may constitute an effective safeguard against genomic instability.
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