REV7 directs DNA repair pathway choice

REV7 is a small multifunctional protein that participates in multiple DNA repair pathways, most notably translesion DNA synthesis and double-strand break (DSB) repair. While the role of REV7 in translesion synthesis has been known for several decades, its function in DSB repair is a recent discovery. Investigations into the DSB repair function of REV7 have led to the discovery of a new DNA repair complex known as Shieldin. Recent studies have also highlighted the importance of REV7's HORMA domain, an ancient structural motif, in REV7 function and have identified the HORMA regulators, TRIP13 and p31, as novel DNA repair factors. In this review, we discuss these recent findings and their implications for repair pathway choice, at both DSBs and replication forks. We suggest that REV7, in particular the activation state of its HORMA domain, can act as a critical determinant of mutagenic versus error-free repair in multiple contexts.

Automated summary

REV7 is a small multifunctional protein involved in multiple DNA repair pathways, particularly translesion DNA synthesis and double-strand break repair. Recent studies have revealed REV7's role in DSB repair and the discovery of a new DNA repair complex called Shieldin. The importance of REV7's HORMA domain and its regulators, TRIP13 and p31, in DNA repair have been highlighted.