Journal
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
Volume 64, Issue 17, Pages 2306-2322Publisher
BIRKHAUSER VERLAG AG
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-007-7121-z
Keywords
RecQ helicases; DNA repair; homologous recombination; chromosomal instability; cancer pre-disposition; premature aging; telomeres
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The RecQ helicases belong to the Superfamily II group of DNA helicases, and are defined by amino acid motifs that show sequence similarity to the catalytic domain of Escherichia coli RecQ. RecQ helicases have crucial roles in the maintenance of genome stability. In humans, there are five RecQ helicases and deficiencies in three of them cause genetic disorders characterised by cancer predisposition, premature aging and/or developmental abnormalities. RecQ helicase-deficient cells exhibit aberrant genetic recombination and/or DNA replication, which result in chromosomal instability and a decreased potential for proliferation. Here, we review the current knowledge of the molecular genetics of RecQ helicases, focusing on the human RecQ helicase disorders and mouse models of these conditions.
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