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Published on: January 31, 2018
Polo-Like Kinase 1 and DNA Damage Response
Wei Li1,2, Yongjian Hao2
1Laboratory of Nuclear and Radiation Damage, Characteristic Medical Center, PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, is a key regulator involved in the mitotic process of the cell cycle. Mounting evidence suggests that Plk1 is also involved in a variety of nonmitotic events, including the DNA damage response, DNA replication, cytokinesis, embryonic development, apoptosis, and immune regulation. The DNA damage response (DDR) includes activation of the DNA checkpoint, DNA damage recovery, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Plk1 is not only an important target of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint but also negatively regulates the G2/M checkpoint commander Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM), promotes G2/M phase checkpoint recovery, and regulates homologous recombination repair by interacting with Rad51 and BRCA1, the key factors of homologous recombination repair. This article briefly reviews the function of Plk1 in response to DNA damage.
Insights
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is crucial for cell cycle mitosis and DNA damage response. This review highlights Plk1
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a serine/threonine kinase regulating cell cycle mitosis.
- Emerging evidence implicates Plk1 in non-mitotic processes, including DNA damage response (DDR).
- DDR encompasses checkpoint activation, repair, recovery, and apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of Plk1 in cellular responses to DNA damage.
- To elucidate Plk1's function within the DNA damage response pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating Plk1's function in DNA damage response.
- Analysis of Plk1's interactions with key DNA repair proteins and checkpoint regulators.
Main Results:
- Plk1 is a target of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint.
- Plk1 negatively regulates Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase activity.
- Plk1 promotes G2/M checkpoint recovery and homologous recombination repair via Rad51 and BRCA1 interactions.
Conclusions:
- Plk1 plays a significant role in managing DNA damage.
- Plk1 integrates cell cycle control with DNA repair mechanisms.
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