Faithful after break-up: suppression of chromosomal translocations

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2009 Oct;66(19):3149-60. doi: 10.1007/s00018-009-0068-5. Epub 2009 Jun 23.

Abstract

Chromosome integrity in response to chemically or radiation-induced chromosome breaks and the perturbation of ongoing replication forks relies on multiple DNA repair mechanisms. However, repair of these lesions may lead to unwanted chromosome rearrangement if not properly executed or regulated. As these types of chromosomal alterations threaten the cell's and the organism's very own survival, multiple systems are developed to avoid or at least limit break-induced chromosomal rearrangements. In this review, we highlight cellular strategies for repressing DNA break-induced chromosomal translocations in multiple model systems including yeast, mouse, and human. These pathways select proper homologous templates or broken DNA ends for the faithful repair of DNA breaks to avoid undesirable chromosomal translocations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatids / genetics
  • Chromosome Breakage
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Translocation, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA Repair Enzymes