Abstract
Helicases are specialized molecular motors that separate duplex nucleic acids into single strands. The RecQ family of helicases functions at the interface of DNA replication, recombination and repair in bacterial and eukaryotic cells. They are key, multifunctional enzymes that have been linked to three human diseases: Bloom's, Werner's and Rothmund-Thomson's syndromes. This review summarizes recent studies that relate the structures of RecQ proteins to their biochemical activities.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry*
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
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Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
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Bloom Syndrome / genetics
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DNA Helicases / chemistry*
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DNA Helicases / genetics
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DNA Helicases / metabolism
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DNA Replication / physiology
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Humans
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Hydrolysis
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Protein Structure, Tertiary / physiology*
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RecQ Helicases
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Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome / genetics
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Werner Syndrome / genetics
Substances
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Adenosine Triphosphate
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Adenosine Triphosphatases
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RECQL protein, human
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DNA Helicases
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RecQ Helicases