| Abstract: |
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) pose a threat to the genomic integrity, of a cell. The failure to heal a break or the inapropriate repair of a break can result in the loss of genetic information and other potentially deleterious consequences, such as chromosomal translocations. Recent developments using rare-cutting endonucleases have allowed investigators to introduce one or few DSBs into complex genomes. Such studies have begun to elucidate the complex Mechanisms of nonhomologous and homologous repair used by mammalian cells to repair these lesions. A key finding is that gene targeting is simulated two to three orders of magnitude by a DSB at the target locus. Thus, the use of rare-cutting endonucleases and the co-opting of cellular repair mechanisms might provide scientists with another tool for engineering changes into genomes. |
