RAD51 : RAD51 recombinase

Description

The RAD51 (RAD51 recombinase) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 15.

The RAD51 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for repairing damaged DNA. Breaks in DNA can be caused by natural and medical radiation or other environmental exposures, and also occur when chromosomes exchange genetic material in preparation for cell division. The RAD51 protein binds to the DNA at the site of a break and encases it in a protein sheath, which is an essential first step in the repair process.In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the RAD51 protein interacts with many other proteins, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, to fix damaged DNA. The BRCA2 protein regulates the activity of the RAD51 protein by transporting it to sites of DNA damage in the nucleus. The interaction between the BRCA1 protein and the RAD51 protein is less clear, although research suggests that BRCA1 may also activate RAD51 in response to DNA damage. By helping repair DNA, these three proteins play a role in maintaining the stability of a cell's genetic information.The RAD51 protein is also thought to be involved in the development of nervous system functions that control movement, but its role in this development is unclear.

RAD51 plays a crucial role in homologous strand exchange, a fundamental step in DNA repair through homologous recombination (HR). It binds to single-stranded DNA in an ATP-dependent manner, forming nucleoprotein filaments essential for homology search and strand exchange. It catalyzes the recognition of homology and strand exchange between homologous DNA partners, forming a joint molecule between a processed DNA break and the repair template. RAD51 is recruited to resolve stalled replication forks during replication stress. It is part of a PALB2-scaffolded HR complex containing BRCA2 and RAD51C, thought to play a role in DNA repair by HR. RAD51 also regulates mitochondrial DNA copy number under oxidative stress in the presence of RAD51C and XRCC3 and is involved in interstrand cross-link repair.

RAD51 is also known as BRCC5, FANCR, HRAD51, HsRad51, HsT16930, MRMV2, RAD51A, RECA.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing

Clinical Exome Sequencing