Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase in the Cellular Response to DNA Damage, Apoptosis, and Disease

To ensure the accurate transmission of genetic information in dividing cells, specific biochemical pathways maintain integrity. Fundamental to these pathways is the recognition, by specific proteins, of genomic lesions, which signal the presence of DNA damage to other nuclear and cytoplasmic factors. DNA strand breaks, generated either directly by genotoxic agents (oxygen radicals, ionizing radiations, or monofunctional alkylating agents) or indirectly after enzymatic incision of a DNA-base lesion, trigger the synthesis of poly(ADP-ribose) by the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP [E.C.2.4.2.30]).