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DNA damage: ubiquitin marks the spot

DNA damage activates signaling cascades driven by the ATM–ATR protein kinases, culminating in the recruitment of repair proteins to the damage site through poorly understood mechanisms. Now a flurry of papers reveals how ATM-dependent phosphorylation of mediator and chromatin-associated proteins at sites of double-strand breaks promotes ubiquitylation of local nucleosomes, thereby eliciting a powerful signal for recruitment of repair complexes to the damage site.

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Figure 1: The hierarchical signaling network within the DDR.

Kim Caesar

Figure 2: Modification of the ubiquitin signal.

Kim Caesar

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Bennett, E., Harper, J. DNA damage: ubiquitin marks the spot. Nat Struct Mol Biol 15, 20–22 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nsmb0108-20

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