DNA double-strand break repair: A relentless hunt uncovers new prey

Article Abstract:

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a dangerous form of DNA damage and the major pathway for repair of DNA double-strand breaks is nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ). The discovery of a new NHEJ factor called Cernunnos-XLF is reported and the protein is mutated in a rare inherited human syndrome characterized by severe immunodeficiency, developmental delay, and hypersensitivity to agents that cause DNA double-strand breaks.

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TOPping up ATR activity

Article Abstract:

The nuclear protein kinase ATR is a key regulator of genome integrity that functions at checkpoints for damaged or incompletely replicated DNA. The molecular mechanism that controls ATR is highlighted and it is reported that physical interaction between ATR and a distinct domain of TopBP1 greatly enhances ATR kinase activity.

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Reconstitution of 5'-directed human mismatch repair in a purified system

Article Abstract:

Reconstitution of 5'nick-directed mismatch repair using purified human proteins is reported. The data suggest a model for human mismatch repair involving coordinated initiation and termination of mismatch-provoked excision.

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