Self-reversal facilitates the resolution of HMCES DNA-protein crosslinks in cells.

Abasic sites are common DNA lesions stalling polymerases and threatening genome stability. When located in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), they are shielded from aberrant processing by 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, embryonic stem cell (ESC)-specific (HMCES) via a DNA-protein crosslink (DPC) that prevents double-strand breaks. Nevertheless, HMCES-DPCs must be removed to complete DNA repair.

Self-reversal facilitates the resolution of HMCES-DNA protein crosslinks in cells.

Abasic sites are common DNA lesions that stall polymerases and threaten genome stability. When located in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), they are shielded from aberrant processing by HMCES via a DNA-protein crosslink (DPC) that prevents double-strand breaks. Nevertheless, the HMCES-DPC must be removed to complete DNA repair.