Linking transcription with DNA repair, damage tolerance, and genome duplication

Linking transcription with DNA repair, damage tolerance, and genome duplication.

T he transcription of genes by RNA polymerases (RNAPs) is far from a smooth ride. Not only is template sequence-dependent pausing of RNAPs a frequent occurrence (1), lesions within the transcribed strand present major barriers to continuedmovement of RNAPs, with potentially disastrous consequences for gene expression (2). To make matters worse, such stalled transcription complexes mask the DNA ...

Mitochondrial DNA repair and damage tolerance.

The accurate maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is required in order for eukaryotic cells to assemble a functional electron transport chain. This independently-maintained genome relies on nuclear-encoded proteins that are imported into the mitochondria to carry out replication and repair processes. Decades of research has made clear that mitochondria employ robust and varied mtDNA repair ...

Brc1-mediated DNA repair and damage tolerance.

The structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins are key elements in controlling chromosome dynamics. In eukaryotic cells, three essential SMC complexes have been defined: cohesin, condensin, and the Smc5/6 complex. The latter is essential for DNA damage responses; in its absence both repair and checkpoint responses fail. In fission yeast, the UV-C and ionizing radiation (IR) sensitivity...

Mammalian Transcription-Coupled Excision Repair Subject Collection DNA Repair, Mutagenesis, and Other Responses to DNA Damage Ancient DNA Damage

DNA Damage Tolerance and a Web of Connections with DNA Repair at Yale

This short article summarizes some of the research carried out recently by my laboratory colleagues on the function of DNA polymerase zeta (polζ) in mammalian cells. Some personal background is also described, relevant to research associations with Yale University and its continuing influence. Polζ is involved in the bypass of many DNA lesions by translesion DNA synthesis and is responsible for...