Functions of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in DNA repair, genomic integrity and cell death

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is responsible for post-translational modification of proteins in the response to numerous endogenous and environmental genotoxic agents. PARP and poly(ADP ribosyl)ation are proposed to be important for the regulation of many cellular processes such as DNA repair, cell death, chromatin functions and genomic stability. Activation of PARP is one of the early DNA damage responses, among other DNA sensing molecules, such as DNA-PK, ATM and p53. The generation and characterization of PARP deficient mouse models have been instrumental in defining the biological role of the molecule and its involvement in the pathogenesis of various diseases including diabetes, stroke. Parkinson disease, general inflammation as well as tumorigenesis, and have, therefore, provided information for the development of pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment of diseases. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.