Titre du document / Document title

A third link connecting aging with double strand break repair

Auteur(s) / Author(s)

ENGELS William R. ; JOHNSON-SCHLITZ Dena M. ; FLORES Carlos ; WHITE Lisa ; PRESTON Christine R. ;

Résumé / Abstract

Until recently, the connection between aging and DNA repair has rested on two classes of observation. First, DNA damage and unrepaired double-strand breaks (DSBs) accumulate with age. Second, several defects in DNA repair genes are associated with early onset of age-related diseases and other signs of premature aging. Now, a third link has emerged: The mechanisms by which cells repair DSB damage can change dramatically with age, shifting from simpler end-joining processes in younger organisms to homologous mechanisms in which missing genetic information is restored through use of a template. So far this third link between aging and DNA repair has only been observed in a small number of experimental systems, and cannot yet claim the generality of the other two. Here we review the evidence for this phenomenon and present new data testing models for the underlying causes. If the generality of age-related changes in DSB repair pathway usage can be established, it will provide a new insight into the underlying molecular basis of aging and how evolution has shaped these processes.

Revue / Journal Title

Cell cycle   ISSN 1538-4101 

Source / Source

2007, vol. 6, n^o2, pp. 131-135 [5 page(s) (article)]

Langue / Language

Anglais

Editeur / Publisher

Landes Bioscience, Georgetown, TX, ETATS-UNIS  (2002) (Revue)

Mots-clés d'auteur / Author Keywords

aging ; DNA repair ; double-strand break ; non homologous end-joining ; single-strand annealing ; homologous repair ;

Localisation / Location

INIST-CNRS, Cote INIST : 27667, 35400014939095.0050