DNA double-strand breaks activate a multi-functional genetic program in developing lymphocytes.

ABSTRACT: DNA double-strand breaks are generated by genotoxic agents and by cellular endonucleases as intermediates of several important physiological processes. The cellular response to genotoxic DNA breaks includes the activation of transcriptional programs known primarily to regulate cell-cycle checkpoints and cell survival. DNA double-strand breaks are generated in all developing lymphocytes during the assembly of antigen receptor genes, a process that is essential for normal lymphocyte development. Here we show that in murine lymphocytes these physiological DNA breaks activate a broad transcriptional program. This program transcends the canonical DNA double-strand break response and includes many genes that regulate diverse cellular processes important for lymphocyte development. Moreover, the

SUBMITTER: Bredemeyer AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2605662 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature