Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
06:44
Assessment of Global DNA Double-Strand End Resection using BrdU-DNA Labeling coupled with Cell Cycle Discrimination Imaging
Published on: April 28, 2021
4.4K
RECQ1 Helicase in Genomic Stability and Cancer
Subrata Debnath1, Sudha Sharma1,2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Howard University, 520 W Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
Genes
|June 11, 2020
Summary
Genetic or functional loss of RECQ1 (RecQ helicase 1) may cause genomic instability and cancer. This DNA helicase is crucial for chromosomal stability and potentially linked to familial breast cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- RECQ1, a member of the RecQ DNA helicase family, is linked to rare genetic cancer predisposition syndromes.
- RECQ1 plays roles in DNA repair, cell cycle, telomere maintenance, and transcription.
- Previous research indicated RECQ1's importance in chromosomal stability and potential role in tumorigenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which genetic or functional loss of RECQ1 contributes to genomic instability.
- To understand the role of RECQ1 in cancer development, particularly in familial breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RECQ1 function and its link to cancer.
- Analysis of genetic data and mutation studies related to RECQ1.
- Framework development for understanding RECQ1's role in genomic instability.
Main Results:
- RECQ1 is essential for maintaining chromosomal stability.
- Missense mutations in RECQ1 are associated with familial breast cancer.
- Loss of RECQ1 function can lead to genomic instability.
Conclusions:
- RECQ1 is a critical DNA helicase involved in maintaining genomic integrity.
- Dysfunctional RECQ1 may serve as a susceptibility gene for breast cancer.
- Understanding RECQ1's role provides insights into cancer pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
00:55DNA Helicases
23.6K
DNA unwinding helicase enzymes are a type of motor protein. Motor proteins can translocate along filaments or polymers using energy generated from ATP hydrolysis. Helicases are involved in all the important cellular processes where DNA unwinding is required, such as DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription. They are present in all living organisms, but vary in their structure, function, and mechanism of action. For example, in prokaryotes, DnaB helicase binds and translocates...
23.6K
02:31Homologous Recombination
61.9K
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...
61.9K
02:31Homologous Recombination
5.8K
5.8K
02:36DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
9.9K
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
9.9K
02:36DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
2.9K
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
2.9K
02:37Restarting Stalled Replication Forks
6.2K
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,...
6.2K