Protein methylation and DNA repair

DNA is under constant attack from intracellular and external mutagens. Sites of DNA damage need to be pinpointed so that the DNA repair machinery can be mobilized to the proper location. The identification of damaged sites, recruitment of repair factors, and assembly of repair factories is orchestrated by posttranslational modifications (PTMs). These PTMs include phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, acetylation, and methylation. Here we discuss recent data surrounding the roles of arginine and lysine methylation in DNA repair processes. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.