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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Estimation of Telomeric Repeat-containing RNA from DNA/RNA Hybrid Complexes
Published on: December 5, 2025
Spontaneous DNA-RNA hybrids: differential impacts throughout the cell cycle
Belén Gómez-González1, Sonia Barroso1, Emilia Herrera-Moyano1
1Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
Transcription-induced DNA damage and genome instability are prevented by the DNA damage response (DDR). Three major DDR pathways, including ATM/CHK2, ATR/CHK1, and Postreplication Repair (PRR), protect against harmful DNA-RNA hybrid formation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Transcription is a significant source of replicative stress, contributing to genome instability.
- The DNA damage response (DDR) is crucial for maintaining genomic integrity.
- DNA-RNA hybrids are potentially threatening structures that can arise during transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the DNA damage response (DDR) in preventing transcription-induced DNA damage.
- To identify specific DDR pathways involved in protecting against DNA-RNA hybrid formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized siRNA screening to identify DDR components involved in preventing DNA-RNA hybrids.
- Analyzed the participation of major DDR pathways: ATM/CHK2, ATR/CHK1, and Postreplication Repair (PRR).
Main Results:
- Identified three major DDR pathways that protect against DNA-RNA hybrids: ATM/CHK2, ATR/CHK1, and Postreplication Repair (PRR).
- Demonstrated the involvement of these pathways in preventing transcription-induced threatening events.
Conclusions:
- The DNA damage response plays a critical role in preventing genome instability caused by transcription.
- Specific DDR pathways are essential for mitigating the risks associated with DNA-RNA hybridization during transcription.
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