APOBEC3 proteins and genomic stability: the high cost of a good defense.

摘要: The human APOBEC3 family of cytidine deaminases constitutes a cellular intrinsic defense mechanism that is effective against range viruses and retro-elements. While it well established these enzymes are powerful mutators viral DNA, the possibility their activity could threaten integrity host genome has only recently begun to be investigated. Here, we discuss implications new evidence suggesting proteins can mediate deamination DNA. maintenance genomic in face this potential off-target must require high fidelity DNA repair strict regulation gene expression enzyme activity. Conversely, ability specific members activate damage signaling pathways might also reflect another way contribute immune response.