Bacterial DNA repair: Recent insights into the mechanism of RecBCD, AddAB and AdnAB

Abstract

In bacteria, the processing of double-strand DNA breaks is mediated by the RecBCD, AddAB and AdnAB complexes. These multisubunit helicase-nuclease machines resect the DNA ends and load RecA protein to initiate homologous recombination. Recent studies have revealed fascinating insights into the molecular mechanisms of this process and the evolution of these machines. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.