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Identification of a novel human RAD51 homolog, RAD51B
J S Albala1, M P Thelen, C Prange
1Biology and Biotechnology Research Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California 95441-0808, USA. albala1@llnl.gov
Genomics
|January 27, 1998
Summary
Researchers identified a new human RAD51 homolog, RAD51B, crucial for DNA repair and recombination. This gene is widely expressed, particularly in tissues active in recombination, suggesting a significant role in these processes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Human Homologs
Background:
- The RAD51 protein is essential for homologous recombination and double-strand break repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Screening of cDNA databases identified a partial sequence of a RAD51-like gene in a breast tissue library.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel human RAD51 homolog.
- To determine the chromosomal location and expression patterns of the newly identified gene.
Main Methods:
- cDNA sequence database screening and cDNA library screening.
- Gene sequencing and amino acid identity analysis.
- Chromosomal mapping using human-hamster somatic cell hybrids and fluorescence in situ hybridization.
- Northern blot analysis for mRNA expression patterns.
Main Results:
- An extended cDNA clone (1764 bp) encoding a 350-amino acid open reading frame was isolated, named RAD51B.
- RAD51B showed significant amino acid identity to other human RAD51 homologs.
- RAD51B was mapped to human chromosome 14q23-q24.2.
- RAD51B mRNA is widely expressed, with highest abundance in recombination-active tissues.
Conclusions:
- RAD51B is a newly identified human RAD51 homolog.
- Its expression pattern suggests a role in meiotic recombination and/or recombinational repair.
- Further functional studies are warranted to elucidate RAD51B's precise role in DNA repair pathways.