DNA Replication Stress and Cell Fate

Abstract

Faithful genome duplication through DNA replication is pivotal for genome maintenance. A variety of stresses could challenge this fundamental process and therefore endanger the genome integrity and change the cell fate. These stresses include misincorporation of ribonucleotides, unusual DNA structures, common fragile sites, replication-transcription conflicts, oncogene activation, treatment of pharmacological drugs, and so forth. Replication stress, if not dealt with timely and properly, may result in replication fork collapse, DNA double-strand breaks, and genome instability. Moreover, mutations in replication machinery or factors that combat replication stress can lead to numerous diseases such as developmental defects, microcephaly, anemia, aging, and cancer. Despite intensive studies, how cells deal with replication stress remains poorly understood. Thus, it is of importance to obtain mechanistic insights into DNA replication process and how DNA replication stresses manipulate and determine the cell fate. In this Research Topic, investigators have provided insightful points from their original research or review articles on the source, cellular response, and consequence of replication stress