Biochem/physiol Actions

Properly controlled recombination between homologous DNA molecules (Homologous Recombination - HR) is essential for the maintenance of genome stability and for the prevention of tumorigenesis. RAD51 is a mammalian homologue of yeast RAD51 and bacterial RecA and, like its counterparts, plays a central role in HR. RAD51 coats ssDNA to form a nucleoprotein filament that invades and pairs with a homologous region in duplex DNA. It can then activate strand exchange to generate a crossover between the juxtaposed DNA molecules. In addition to RAD51, these steps require the coordinated action of a number of other homologous-recombination proteins, including the RP-A protein, which binds single-stranded DNA, RAD52, which can bind DNA ends, anneal complementary single-stranded DNA molecules and enhance the specificity of RAD51, and a number of RAD51 paralogs. The tumour-suppressor proteins BRCA1 and BRCA2 colocalize with RAD51 in DNA-damage-induced nuclear foci. BRCA2 has been shown to interact directly with RAD51 and thus plays a direct role in repair by HR, through control of the availability and function of the central mediator, RAD51.

RAD51 interacts with BRCA2 (breast cancer susceptibility protein) and participates in DSB (double strand DNA breaks) repair. BRCA2 sequesters and recruits RAD51 to the site of the damage and promotes the formation of the helical RAD51–single stranded DNA (ssDNA) nucleoprotein filaments. These filaments look for and infiltrate the homologous DNA template, and promote homologous recombination by inducing DNA polymerization and strand exchange. A dominant-negative mutation in this gene is linked with a novel Fanconi anaemia (FA) subtype, a disorder characterized by developmental abnormalities, bone marrow failure and a strong susceptibility to cancer. Association of RAD51 gene with congenital mirror movement disorders signifies the importance of RAD51-mediated homologous recombination in neurodevelopment apart from in DNA repair, cancer susceptibility.

General description

RAD51 is a member of the RecA/RadA/Rad51 protein family which is characterized by a conserved ATP binding core. Human RAD51 shows predominant expression in testis, ovary, and lymphoid tissue.

RAD51 gene is mapped to human chromosome 15q15.1. It is an Escherichia coli Recombinase A (RecA) homolog and comprises an N-terminal DNA binding domain.

Physical form

Clear and colorless frozen liquid solution

Preparation Note

Use a manual defrost freezer and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. While working, please keep sample on ice.