Health

A tale of two forms of cohesin in DNA repair | Science

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled the intricate mechanisms by which extrusive and cohesive cohesin work together to repair double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, a critical process for maintaining genomic stability. Double-strand breaks, which can arise from various sources such as ionizing radiation, oxidative stress, or replication errors, pose a significant threat to cellular integrity. If left unrepaired, these breaks can lead to genomic instability, cancer, and other serious diseases. The study highlights the dual role of cohesin, a protein complex traditionally known for its function in chromosome cohesion during cell division, in the DNA repair process.

The research demonstrates that cohesin can exist in two distinct forms: extrusive cohesin, which actively engages with DNA to facilitate repair, and cohesive cohesin, which maintains the structural integrity of chromosomes. The study utilized advanced imaging techniques to observe the dynamics of these cohesin complexes at DSB sites. It was found that extrusive cohesin rapidly accumulates at the break site to initiate repair processes, while cohesive cohesin stabilizes the chromosomal architecture, ensuring that the repair machinery operates effectively. For instance, the researchers noted that the presence of extrusive cohesin significantly accelerated the repair of breaks, suggesting a cooperative interaction that enhances the efficiency of the repair process.

This discovery not only deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA repair but also opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions in diseases characterized by genomic instability. By targeting the cohesin complexes, scientists may develop novel strategies to enhance DNA repair in cancer cells, potentially improving the efficacy of existing treatments. Overall, this research underscores the complexity of cellular repair systems and the vital roles that cohesin proteins play in safeguarding our genetic information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgRzMLPOQFY