APE1: A skilled nucleic acid surgeon

Amy M. Whitaker, Bret D. Freudenthal

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

108 Scopus citations

Abstract

Before a deleterious DNA lesion can be replaced with its undamaged counterpart, the lesion must first be removed from the genome. This process of removing and replacing DNA lesions is accomplished by the careful coordination of several protein factors during DNA repair. One such factor is the multifunctional enzyme human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), known best for its DNA backbone cleavage activity at AP sites during base excision repair (BER). APE1 preforms AP site incision with surgical precision and skill, by sculpting the DNA to place the cleavage site in an optimal position for nucleophilic attack within its compact protein active site. APE1, however, has demonstrated broad surgical expertise, and applies its DNA cleavage activity to a wide variety of DNA and RNA substrates. Here, we discuss what is known and unknown about APE1 cleavage mechanisms, focusing on structural and mechanistic considerations. Importantly, disruptions in the biological functions associated with APE1 are linked to numerous human maladies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The continued elucidation of APE1 mechanisms is required for rational drug design towards novel and strategic ways to target its associated repair pathways.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-100
Number of pages8
JournalDNA Repair
Volume71
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2018

Keywords

  • AP sites
  • APE1
  • DNA cleavage
  • DNA damage
  • DNA repair
  • End processing
  • Nucleotide incision repair
  • RNA metabolism

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'APE1: A skilled nucleic acid surgeon'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this