RAD51

GeneName

RAD51

Summary

RAD51, also known as RAD-51, AtRAD51, and HsRAD51, is a 37kDa protein that plays a crucial role in the DNA damage response and repair processes. It is primarily localised in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria, and is involved in multiple cellular compartments, including the centrosome and chromatin. RAD51 functions as a recombinase, facilitating homologous recombination by binding to single-stranded DNA and promoting strand invasion, which is essential for repairing double-strand breaks. The protein is also involved in the assembly of DNA recombinase complexes and has ATP-dependent activities that are vital for its role in DNA repair and maintenance of genomic stability.

Importance

RAD51 is relevant to: - Understanding mechanisms of DNA repair and the maintenance of genomic integrity, which is crucial for cancer research. - Investigating the cellular responses to DNA-damaging agents like cisplatin and gamma radiation, providing insights into chemotherapy resistance. - Exploring its role in meiotic recombination, which is essential for fertility and proper chromosome segregation. - Studying its involvement in telomere maintenance, contributing to insights into aging and cancer biology.

Top Products

For researchers investigating RAD51, we highly recommend the top-selling recombinant antibody, Anti-Rad51 antibody [EPR4030(3)] (ab133534). This well-cited antibody has garnered 244 citations, reflecting its strong reputation in the field. It has been validated for use in a variety of applications, including Western blotting (WB), immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry (FC), and immunoprecipitation (IP). The versatility and reliability of this antibody make it an excellent choice for those studying RAD51.

Abcam Product Citation Summary

The data indicates a significant focus on RAD51 in various contexts related to DNA damage and repair mechanisms. Studies span across multiple species, including human and mouse, and involve applications such as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The research highlights the role of RAD51 in cancer, DNA repair pathways, and responses to environmental factors, suggesting its critical importance in maintaining genomic integrity.

Abcam Product Citation Table

Domain

The nuclear localization may reside in the C-terminus (between 259 and 339 AA).

Function

Plays an important role in homologous strand exchange, a key step in DNA repair through homologous recombination (HR) (PubMed:12205100, PubMed:18417535, PubMed:20231364, PubMed:20348101, PubMed:22325354, PubMed:23509288, PubMed:23754376, PubMed:26681308, PubMed:28575658, PubMed:32640219). Binds to single-stranded DNA in an ATP-dependent manner to form nucleoprotein filaments which are essential for the homology search and strand exchange (PubMed:12205100, PubMed:18417535, PubMed:15226506, PubMed:20231364, PubMed:20348101, PubMed:23509288, PubMed:23754376, PubMed:26681308, PubMed:28575658). Catalyzes the recognition of homology and strand exchange between homologous DNA partners to form a joint molecule between a processed DNA break and the repair template (PubMed:12205100, PubMed:18417535, PubMed:20231364, PubMed:20348101, PubMed:23509288, PubMed:23754376, PubMed:26681308, PubMed:28575658, PubMed:38459011). Recruited to resolve stalled replication forks during replication stress (PubMed:27797818, PubMed:31844045). Part of a PALB2-scaffolded HR complex containing BRCA2 and RAD51C and which is thought to play a role in DNA repair by HR (PubMed:12442171, PubMed:24141787). Plays a role in regulating mitochondrial DNA copy number under conditions of oxidative stress in the presence of RAD51C and XRCC3 (PubMed:20413593). Also involved in interstrand cross-link repair (PubMed:26253028).

Involvement in disease

Breast cancer

BC

A common malignancy originating from breast epithelial tissue. Breast neoplasms can be distinguished by their histologic pattern. Invasive ductal carcinoma is by far the most common type. Breast cancer is etiologically and genetically heterogeneous. Important genetic factors have been indicated by familial occurrence and bilateral involvement. Mutations at more than one locus can be involved in different families or even in the same case.

None

Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Mirror movements 2

MRMV2

A disorder characterized by contralateral involuntary movements that mirror voluntary ones. While mirror movements are occasionally found in young children, persistence beyond the age of 10 is abnormal. Mirror movements occur more commonly in the upper extremities.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Fanconi anemia, complementation group R

FANCR

A disorder affecting all bone marrow elements and resulting in anemia, leukopenia and thrombopenia. It is associated with cardiac, renal and limb malformations, dermal pigmentary changes, and a predisposition to the development of malignancies. At the cellular level it is associated with hypersensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, chromosomal instability (increased chromosome breakage) and defective DNA repair.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Ubiquitinated by the SCF(FBH1) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, regulating RAD51 subcellular location and preventing its association with DNA. Ubiquitinated by RFWD3 in response to DNA damage: ubiquitination leads to degradation by the proteasome, promoting homologous recombination (PubMed:28575658).

Phosphorylation of Thr-309 by CHEK1 may enhance association with chromatin at sites of DNA damage and promote DNA repair by homologous recombination (PubMed:15665856). Phosphorylated at Ser-14 by PLK1, triggering phosphorylation at Thr-13 by CK2, thereby promoting interaction with TOPBP1 and recruitment to DNA damage sites during S-phase (PubMed:22325354, PubMed:26811421). Phosphorylation by ABL1 inhibits function (PubMed:9461559).

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the RecA family. RAD51 subfamily.

Tissue Specificity

Highly expressed in testis and thymus, followed by small intestine, placenta, colon, pancreas and ovary. Weakly expressed in breast.

Cellular localization

• Nucleus
• Cytoplasm
• Cytoplasm
• Perinuclear region
• Mitochondrion matrix
• Chromosome
• Cytoplasm
• Cytoskeleton
• Microtubule organizing center
• Centrosome
• Colocalizes with RAD51AP1 and RPA2 to multiple nuclear foci upon induction of DNA damage (PubMed:20154705). DNA damage induces an increase in nuclear levels (PubMed:20154705). Together with FIGNL1, redistributed in discrete nuclear DNA damage-induced foci after ionizing radiation (IR) or camptothecin (CPT) treatment (PubMed:23754376). Accumulated at sites of DNA damage in a SPIDR-dependent manner (PubMed:23509288). Recruited at sites of DNA damage in a MCM9-MCM8-dependent manner (PubMed:23401855). Recruited at sites of DNA damage following interaction with TOPBP1 in S-phase (PubMed:26811421). Colocalizes with ERCC5/XPG to nuclear foci in S phase (PubMed:26833090). Recruited to stalled replication forks during replication stress by the TONSL-MMS22L complex, as well as ATAD5 and WDR48 in an ATR-dependent manner (PubMed:27797818, PubMed:31844045).

Alternative names

RAD51A, RECA, RAD51, DNA repair protein RAD51 homolog 1, HsRAD51, hRAD51, RAD51 homolog A

Database links

swissprot:Q06609 entrezGene:5888 omim:179617

Other research areas

• Oncology