A mathematical model for the detection mechanism of DNA double-strand breaks depending on autophosphorylation of ATM.

ABSTRACT:

Background

After IR stress, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) occur and repair proteins (RPs) bind to them, generating DSB-RP complexes (DSBCs), which results in repaired DSBs (RDSBs). In recent experimental studies, it is suggested that the ATM proteins detect these DNA lesions depending on the autophosphorylation of ATM which exists as a dimer before phosphorylation. Interestingly, the ATM proteins can work as a sensor for a small number of DSBs (approximately 18 DSBs in a cell after exposure to IR). Thus the ATM proteins amplify the small input signals based on the phosphorylation of the ATM dimer proteins. The true DSB-detection mechanism depending on ATM autophosphorylation has yet to be clarified.

Methodology/principal findings

We propose a mathematical model for the det

SUBMITTER: Mouri K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2667630 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature