REV7 directs DNA repair pathway choice.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• REV7 protein is a key player in DNA repair pathways.
• Its role in translesion DNA synthesis is well-established, while its function in double-strand break (DSB) repair is a recent finding.
• REV7's HORMA domain is critical for its function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent discoveries regarding REV7's function in DNA repair.
• To discuss the implications of REV7 in DNA repair pathway choice.
• To highlight the role of the HORMA domain and its regulators in DNA repair.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on REV7.
• Analysis of REV7's involvement in translesion synthesis and DSB repair.
• Investigation of the Shieldin complex and HORMA domain regulators (TRIP13, p31).

Main Results:

• REV7's function in DSB repair has been recently discovered, leading to the identification of the Shieldin complex.
• The HORMA domain of REV7 is essential for its DNA repair functions.
• TRIP13 and p31 are identified as novel DNA repair factors regulating REV7.

Conclusions:

• REV7 acts as a critical determinant in choosing between mutagenic and error-free DNA repair pathways.
• The activation state of REV7's HORMA domain influences repair pathway selection at DSBs and replication forks.
• Recent findings expand our understanding of DNA repair mechanisms involving REV7 and the Shieldin complex.