Sequence conversion by single strand oligonucleotide donors via non-homologous end joining in mammalian cells.

Double strand breaks (DSBs) can be repaired by homology independent nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways involving proteins such as Ku70/80, DNAPKcs, Xrcc4/Ligase 4, and the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 (MRN) complex. DSBs can also be repaired by homology-dependent pathways (HDR), in which the MRN and CtIP nucleases produce single strand ends that engage homologous sequences either by strand invasion or strand annealing. The entry of ends into HDR pathways underlies protocols for genomic manipulation that combine site-specific DSBs with appropriate informational donors.

Nuclear localization of Rad51B is independent of Rad51C and BRCA2.

Rad51B is one of the five paralogs of human Rad51 and is found in a multiprotein complex with three other Rad51 paralogs, Rad51C, Rad51D and Xrcc2. Participation of Rad51B in this complex depends on its direct interaction with Rad51C. Examination of EGFP-Rad51B fusion protein in HeLa S3 cells and immunofluorescence in several human cell lines reveal the nuclear localization of Rad51B.