Blurring the line between the DNA damage response and transcription: The importance of chromatin dynamics

• Published in: Experimental cell research Vol. 329; no. 1; pp. 148 - 153
• Main Authors: Adam, Salomé, Polo, Sophie E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 15.11.2014; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Animals; Cellular biology; Chromatin; Chromatin - genetics; Chromatin modifications; Chromosome Structures; DNA damage; DNA Damage - genetics; DNA repair; DNA Repair - genetics; Genome integrity; Histone dynamics; Humans; Transcription coupled repair; Transcription regulation; Transcription, Genetic; Transcription coupled repair; Genome integrity; Chromatin modifications; DNA damage; Transcription regulation; Histone dynamics
• ISSN: 0014-4827; 1090-2422
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.07.017

DNA damage interferes with the progression of transcription machineries. A tight coordination of transcription with signaling and repair of DNA damage is thus critical for safeguarding genome function. This coordination involves modulations of chromatin organization. Here, we focus on the central role of chromatin dynamics, in conjunction with DNA Damage Response (DDR) factors, in controlling transcription inhibition and restart at sites of DNA damage in mammalian cells. Recent work has identified chromatin modifiers and histone chaperones as key regulators of transcriptional activity in damaged chromatin regions. Conversely, the transcriptional state of chromatin before DNA damage influences both DNA damage signaling and repair. We discuss the importance of chromatin plasticity in coordinating the interplay between the DDR and transcription, with major implications for cell fate maintenance. •DNA damage signaling and repair regulate transcription of damaged chromatin.•Chromatin dynamics control transcription inhibition and recovery in damaged regions.•Chromatin transcriptional state influences DNA damage signaling and repair.