Structure and Function of RecQ DNA Helicases

From: Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Date: March 1, 2004| Author: Bennett, Richard J; Keck, James L | Copyright information

RecQ family helicases play important roles in coordinating genome maintenance pathways in living cells. In the absence of functional RecQ proteins, cells exhibit a variety of phenotypes, including increased mitotic recombination, elevated chromosome missegregation, hypersensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, and defects in meiosis. Mutations in three of the five human RecQ family members give rise to genetic disorders associated with a predisposition to cancer and premature aging, highlighting t...

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