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Updated: Aug 5, 2025

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Detection of Post-Replicative Gaps Accumulation and Repair in Human Cells Using the DNA Fiber Assay
Published on: February 3, 2022
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A local ATR-dependent checkpoint pathway is activated by a site-specific replication fork block in human cells
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|March 30, 2023
Summary
Researchers found that a single stalled replication fork triggers a localized DNA damage response. This localized management allows DNA replication to continue elsewhere, maintaining genomic integrity without global delays.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- DNA replication forks can stall when encountering DNA lesions.
- The ATR-dependent intra-S checkpoint pathway responds to stalled replication forks to maintain genomic integrity.
- The precise response to a single replication fork barrier (RFB) is not well understood.
Conclusions:
- A single replication fork barrier can be managed locally by the cell.
- Localized DNA damage response allows replication to proceed unimpeded at other sites.
- This suggests a model for localized management of replication stress to maintain overall genomic stability.
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