Genoautotomy (Genome 'Self-Injury') in Eukaryotic Cells: A Cellular Defence Response to Genotoxic Stress

TL;DR

This paper introduces genoautotomy, a cellular defense mechanism in eukaryotic cells where controlled DNA 'self-injury' occurs under genotoxic stress, involving ssDNA release and gaps that aid in damage prevention and regulation.

Contribution

It proposes the novel concept of genoautotomy as a cellular response to genotoxic stress, detailing its mechanisms and potential regulatory roles.

Findings

Genoautotomy involves ssDNA release and gap formation in DNA.

It prevents lethal genome damage during genotoxic stress.

The ssDNA fragments may regulate cell cycle progression.

Abstract

This paper proposes that eukaryotic cells, under severe genotoxic stress, can commit genoautotomy (genome 'self-injury') that involves cutting and releasing single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) fragments from double-stranded DNA and leaving ssDNA gaps in the genome. The ssDNA gaps could be easily and precisely repaired later. The released ssDNA fragments may play some role in the regulation of cell cycle progression. Taken together, genoautotomy causes limited nonlethal DNA damage, but prevents the whole genome from lethal damage, and thus should be deemed as a eukaryotic cellular defence response to genotoxic stress.