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Monday, March 12, 2012

The cellular process of homologous recombination and its applications in cancer biology Eppink, B. 2010-06-11 Doctoral Thesis Genetics


The structure of DNA and subsequently the integrity of the genetic code are constantly threatened by numerous endogenous and exogenous DNA damaging agents. Restoration of proper DNA structure occurs through distinct and overlapping DNA damage repair pathways, depending on the specific lesion. Here, we review the classical DNA repair pathways as they were established from genetic and biochemical experiments. DNA repair pathways are often pictured to act in a precise machine-like manner. We discuss an alternative view that envisions DNA repair to arise from more unstable stochastic interactions between proteins and DNA substrates. Paradoxically, this more messy process makes DNA repair more robust and simultaneously provides the flexibility for quality control and pathway cross talk. Finally, we discuss how basic mechanistic insight in DNA repair mechanisms is currently being translated into anti-cancer therapies. We conclude with the scope of this thesis.

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