What Is a Homologous Series?

Homologous Recombination refers to a recombination that occurs between non-sister chromatids or between DNA molecules containing homologous sequences on the same chromosome or within a molecule. Homologous recombination requires a series of protein catalysis, such as RecA, RecBCD, RecF, RecO, RecR, etc. in prokaryotic cells; and Rad51, Mre11-Rad50, etc. in eukaryotic cells. Homologous recombination reactions are usually divided into three stages based on the formation and splitting of cross-molecules or Holliday Structures, namely the pre-complex stage, the formation of the joint complex, and the resolution of the Holliday structure.

Homologous recombination

Homologous Recombination

Homologous recombination reactions are strictly dependent on the

Homologous recombination

The Japan Physical and Chemical Research Institute issued a press release saying that the researchers found that when DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in yeast mitochondria was subjected to homologous recombination under certain conditions, it did not require DNA to form a supercoil as previously thought. This discovery will provide new clues for biomedical research in anti-aging and other fields.

The press release said that the DNA that records the genetic information of life has a stable double-stranded spiral structure, but during the process of replication, transcription, and recombination, a super-helix phenomenon appears in the DNA strand, which is similar to a spiral telephone line under external force. Complex spiral states may occur.

Researchers such as Ling Feng and Takeshi Shibata of the Institute of Physics and Chemistry used the highly purified enzyme "Mhr1" to catalyze yeast mitochondrial DNA homologous recombination experiments, and found that DNA homologous recombination under such conditions does not need to form a supercoil But through an intermediate called a "triplet".

Ling Feng told reporters that there have been studies showing that the "Mhr1" enzyme plays a key role in inhibiting mitochondrial heterogeneity, and this study revealed the core of the reaction mechanism it catalyzes. Because mitochondrial heterogeneity is closely related to physiological processes such as aging, this study by the Institute of Physics and Chemistry provides new clues for anti-aging biomedical research.