Rad54, a Jack of all trades in homologous recombination

Homologous recombination mediates the transfer or exchange of genetic information between homologous DNA molecules. It plays important roles in central processes in the cell such as genome duplication and DNA damage repair. Recent experiments reveal the surprising versatility of one of its central actors, the Rad54 protein. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.