DNA recombination and repair machinery

DNA recombination and repair machinery refers collectively to the cellular proteins and multi-protein complexes that maintain genome integrity by repairing DNA damage and facilitating genetic recombination. Key pathways include homologous recombination (HR), non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, and mismatch repair, each employing specialized enzymes such as nucleases, helicases, polymerases, and DNA ligases[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Central components include RAD51, BRCA1/2, the MRN complex (MRE11-RAD50-NBS1), RecA (in prokaryotes), Exo1, and supporting factors that recognize and process a wide array of DNA lesions. Failures or mutations in these pathways underlie genomic instability and predispose to cancer and other diseases. The machinery is a prominent therapeutic target in oncology, especially for exploiting vulnerabilities in tumors with defective homologous recombination using PARP inhibitors and DNA-damaging agents[2][4][6]. However, the term as written ("DNA recombination/repair machinery") refers to an entire group of molecular complexes—rather than a single, well-defined molecular target—so more specific protein targets (e.g., "BRCA2", "RAD51", "PARP1") are often required for detailed pharmacological profiling[2][4][6].

Other names

DNA repair complexesrecombination machineryhomologous recombination machinerynon-homologous end-joining machineryDNA double-strand break repair enzymes

Inhibition of DNA repair pathway function Induction of synthetic lethality in repair-deficient cells Induction of unrepaired DNA damage Sensitization to chemotherapy/radiotherapy