The importance of tying up loose (DNA) ends

Blood. 2017 May 4;129(18):2457-2458. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-03-773184.

Abstract

In this issue of Blood, Shi et al demonstrate the importance of Ssb1 and Ssb2, 2 highly conserved single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)–binding proteins, in maintaining hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) genome integrity and blood system function. Strikingly, the authors demonstrate that compound loss of Ssb1 and Ssb2 leads to rapid induction of interferons (IFNs) and HSC depletion, underwritten by severe replication stress and genomic instability in HSCs. As many bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes arise from defects in DNA repair, these findings provide new insights into the events and signals that initiate HSC depletion in this context.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • DNA / genetics*
  • Humans

Substances

  • DNA