Chromosomal stability and the DNA double-stranded break connection

Dik C. Van Gent, Jan H.J. Hoeijmakers, Roland Kanaar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1007 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Genome stability is of primary importance for the survival and proper functioning of all organisms. Double-stranded breaks in DNA are important threats to genome integrity because they can result in chromosomal aberrations that can affect, simultaneously, many genes, and lead to cell malfunctioning and cell death. These detrimental consequences are counteracted by two mechanistically distinct pathways of double-stranded break repair: homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining. Recently, unexpected links between these double-stranded break-repair systems, and several human genome instability and cancer predisposition syndromes, have emerged. Now, interactions between both double-stranded break-repair pathways and other cellular processes, such as cell-cycle regulation and replication, are being unveiled.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)196-206
Number of pages11
JournalNature Reviews Genetics
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2001
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Chromosomal stability and the DNA double-stranded break connection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this