The last word in DNA replication, recombination, and repair: fidelity of DNA ligases
DNA ligases maintain genomic integrity by finding and catalyzing the joining of single and double-stranded breaks. Humans have three DNA ligase genes that differ in their biochemical activities. All DNA replication and recombination and almost all DNA repair pathways create nicked DNA intermediates, and therefore DNA ligases play a critical role in DNA metabolism. I will discuss recent progress in understanding the structural and mechanistic underpinnings for the fidelity of DNA ligases I and III. The results have implications for understanding genetic deficiencies in each ligase, and in targeting cancers with altered expression of DNA ligases.
Durell Peaden Auditorium