Genomic integrity and the repair of double-strand DNA breaks

The induction of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA by exposure to DNA damaging agents or as intermediates in normal cellular processes, creates a severe threat for the integrity of the genome. Unrepaired or incorrectly repaired DSBs lead to broken chromosomes and/or gross chromosomal rearrangements which are frequently associated with tumor formation in mammals. To maintain the integrity of the genome and to prevent the formation of chromosomal aberrations, several pathways exist in eukaryotes: homologous recombination (HR), non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and single-strand annealing (SSA). These mechanisms are conserved in evolution, but the relative contribution depends on the organism, cell type and stage of the cell cycle. In yeast, DSBs are primarily repaired via HR while in higher eukaryotes, both HR and NHEJ are important. In mammals, defects in both HR or NHEJ lead to a predisposition to cancer and at the cellular level, the frequency of chromosomal aberrations is increased. This review summarizes our current knowledge about DSB-repair with emphasis on recent progress in understanding the precise biochemical activities of individual proteins involved.