Conservative inheritance of newly synthesized DNA in double-strand break-induced gene conversion

Mol Cell Biol. 2006 Dec;26(24):9424-9. doi: 10.1128/MCB.01654-06. Epub 2006 Oct 9.

Abstract

To distinguish among possible mechanisms of repair of a double-strand break (DSB) by gene conversion in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we employed isotope density transfer to analyze budding yeast mating type (MAT) gene switching in G2/M-arrested cells. Both of the newly synthesized DNA strands created during gene conversion are found at the repaired locus, leaving the donor unchanged. These results support suggestions that mitotic DSBs are primarily repaired by a synthesis-dependent strand-annealing mechanism. We also show that the proportion of crossing-over associated with DSB-induced ectopic recombination is not affected by the presence of nonhomologous sequences at one or both ends of the DSB or the presence of additional sequences that must be copied from the donor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Conserved Sequence / genetics*
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded*
  • DNA Damage / genetics*
  • DNA, Fungal / biosynthesis*
  • DNA, Fungal / genetics*
  • Gene Conversion / genetics*
  • Genes, Mating Type, Fungal / genetics
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal