Rad17, the clamp loader that loads more than clamps

Abstract

Rad17 is best known as a checkpoint clamp loader in the activation of ATR kinase signaling. A new study in The EMBO Journal suggests that it also plays a role in initial recruitment of the MRN complex to sites of DNA double-strand breaks, thereby promoting early ATM checkpoint responses and homologous recombination repair. Best known for its upstream role in ATR kinase signaling, Rad17 gains unexpected new roles in promoting early ATM checkpoint responses to DNA double-strand breaks. © 2014 The Authors.