The management of DNA double-strand breaks in mitotic G2, and in mammalian meiosis viewed from a mitotic G2 perspective

Bioessays. 2007 Oct;29(10):974-86. doi: 10.1002/bies.20639.

Abstract

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are extremely hazardous lesions for all DNA-bearing organisms and the mechanisms of DSB repair are highly conserved. In the eukaryotic mitotic cell cycle, DSBs are often present following DNA replication while, in meiosis, hundreds of DSBs are generated as a prelude to the reshuffling of the maternally and paternally derived genomes. In both cases, the DSBs are repaired by a process called homologous recombinational repair (HRR), which utilises an intact DNA molecule as the repair template. Mitotic and meiotic HRR are managed by 'checkpoints' that inhibit cell division until DSB repair is complete. Here we attempt to summarise the substantial recent progress in understanding the checkpoint management of HRR in mitosis (focussing mainly on mammals) and then go on to use this information as a framework for understanding the presumed checkpoint management of HRR in mammalian meiosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / physiology
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Repair / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • G2 Phase*
  • Mammals / genetics*
  • Meiosis*
  • Mitosis*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Atr protein, mouse
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Atm protein, mouse
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases