DNA Damage Response

Dear Colleagues,

In two ground breaking publications in Science in 1988/1989, Ted Weinert and Lee Hartwell conceptualized many previous observations on how cells react to genotoxic stress by developing the checkpoint model. They validated the concept by isolating the first DNA damage checkpoint mutant in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and showing that RAD9 controlled transient cell cycle arrest after ionizing radiation exposure. These seminal discoveries propelled an entire field that is still thriving. We realize over 20 years later that the cell cycle response is only one, albeit critical aspect, of a much broader cellular answer to genotoxic stress that is now called the DNA Damage Response. This issue intends to showcase up to date reviews about emerging concepts from future leaders in this exciting area of research.

We thus invite submission review manuscripts (although original research manuscripts are welcome as well) that cover any aspect of the DNA damage response, a complex web of interconnected pathways that control many cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA repair, the mitotic and meiotic cell cycle, and nuclear architecture. The DNA damage response is intricately linked to cancer. Defects in the DNA damage response predispose humans to cancer, and many forms of anti-cancer treatment involve inducing localized or systemic DNA damage. Thus insights into the fundamental mechanisms of the DNA damage response are poised for translation into clinical practice.

We look forward to reading your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Heyer
Prof. Dr. Thomas Helleday
Prof. Dr. Fumio Hanaoka
Guest Editors

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