Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER)

Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) is a specialized DNA repair subpathway that preferentially removes DNA lesions from the transcribed strand of active genes[1][3][4][5][6][7]. When elongating RNA polymerase encounters DNA damage that blocks transcription, TC-NER is rapidly activated to excise and repair the lesion, restoring transcription and preserving genome integrity. TC-NER shares much of its core machinery with global genomic NER (GG-NER) but uses specific recognition and recruitment proteins (such as CSA and CSB in humans) to initiate repair at transcription-blocking lesions[1][6]. Defects in TC-NER lead to human diseases such as Cockayne syndrome and UV-sensitive syndromes, underscoring its vital biological role[3][6]. TC-NER itself is a process, not a single protein or classic drug target, but several components of this pathway (e.g., CSB, CSA, TFIIH) have defined molecular identities. Note: “Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair” is not a single molecule or receptor but a multi-protein DNA repair process. This entry is therefore technically “incorrect” as a conventional therapeutic target or receptor, but the pathway as a whole is recognized for its disease implication and functional importance[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Other names

Transcription-coupled repairTCRTC-NERTranscription-coupled DNA repair