Cells Protect DNA During Division with Unexpected Mechanism

Topic: Biology

Scientists from King's College London discovered how cells protect their DNA during division. They found that ESCRT-III proteins form a protective coating around exposed DNA, preventing damage.

Every time a cell divides, it must copy and distribute its DNA accurately between two new cells. However, in some cases, chromosomes do not fully separate, leaving behind thin strands of DNA called DNA bridges. These fragile structures can be vulnerable to damage and have severe consequences for genome stability.

Researchers from King's College London, in collaboration with the University of Utah and biotechnology company Altos Labs, revealed how cells protect themselves from this threat. They published their study in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, showing that ESCRT-III proteins help protect DNA bridges during cell division.

During cell division, a safety mechanism called the NoCut checkpoint helps delay the final stages of division when DNA bridges are present. This delay allows ESCRT-III proteins to move to the DNA bridges and form a protective coating around the exposed DNA, preventing damage.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it can help us understand how cells protect themselves from DNA damage events that have been linked to genome instability and disease. It may also provide new insights into cancer development.

Key Facts

• Researchers from King's College London, the University of Utah, and Altos Labs discovered a mechanism that protects DNA during cell division.
• The mechanism involves ESCRT-III proteins forming a protective coating around exposed DNA.
• DNA bridges are fragile structures that can be vulnerable to damage and have severe consequences for genome stability.
• The study was published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.
• The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy and advanced live-cell microscopy to determine the structure of the ESCRT/DNA complex.

Key Terms

ESCRT-III proteins

Proteins that help cells reshape and repair membranes, but also protect DNA bridges during cell division.

DNA bridges

Thin strands of DNA that can be left behind when chromosomes do not fully separate during cell division.

Implications

This discovery is important because it can help us understand how cells protect themselves from DNA damage events that have been linked to genome instability and disease. It may also provide new insights into cancer development.