Double strand break (DSB) repair in heterochromatin and heterochromatin proteins in DSB repair

DNA Repair (Amst). 2014 Jul:19:163-8. doi: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2014.03.015. Epub 2014 Apr 19.

Abstract

Chromosomal translocations are a hallmark of cancer cells and they represent a major cause of tumorigenesis. To avoid chromosomal translocations, faithful repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) has to be ensured in the context of high ordered chromatin structure. However, chromatin compaction is proposed to represent a barrier for DSB repair. Here we review the different mechanisms cells use to alleviate the heterochromatic barrier for DNA repair. At the same time, we discuss the activating role of heterochromatin-associated proteins in this process, therefore proposing that chromatin structure, more than being a simple barrier, is a key modulator of DNA repair.

Keywords: DDR; DNA repair; DSB; HP1; Heterochromatin; KAP1.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Chromobox Protein Homolog 5
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded*
  • DNA End-Joining Repair / genetics
  • DNA Repair / genetics*
  • Heterochromatin / genetics*
  • Homologous Recombination / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Translocation, Genetic / genetics
  • Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 28

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Heterochromatin
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Chromobox Protein Homolog 5
  • TRIM28 protein, human
  • Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 28
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins