Loss of Werner syndrome protein function promotes aberrant mitotic recombination.

Authors: Prince PR; Emond MJ; Monnat RJ Jr

Abstract: The chromosome 8p11-12 Werner syndrome (WRN ) locus encodes a RecQ helicase protein of unknown function that possesses both 3' --> 5' helicase and 3' --> 5' exonuclease activities. We show that WRN cell lines display a marked reduction in cell proliferation following mitotic recombination, and generate few viable gene conversion-type recombinants. These findings indicate that WRN plays a role in mitotic recombination, and that a loss of WRN function may promote genetic instability and disease via recombination-initiated mitotic arrest, cell death, or gene rearrangement.

Keywords: Cell Death; Cell Division; Cell Line; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8; DNA Helicases/*genetics/*physiology; Exodeoxyribonucleases; Fibroblasts/metabolism; Humans; *Mitosis; Models, Biological; Models, Genetic; Phenotype; Plasmids/metabolism; RecQ Helicases; *Recombination, Genetic; Werner Syndrome/*genetics

Journal: Genes & development Volume: 15 Issue: 8 Pages: 933-8 Date: April 24, 2001 PMID: 11316787

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Citation:

Prince PR, Emond MJ, Monnat RJ Jr (2001) Loss of Werner syndrome protein function promotes aberrant mitotic recombination. Genes & development 15: 933-8.

Lifespan Factors:

WRN Werner syndrome, RecQ helicase-like

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