DNA damage and histone modifications

The cellular genome is constantly vulnerable to damage from both endogenous and exogenous factors. A timely and proper activation of the signaling pathways that respond to DNA damage is essential for genome maintenance and cellular and physiological activities. A myriad of factors is needed to ensure an efficient DNA damage response. An important role is played by the posttranslational modifications of chromatin-associated proteins—histones. Histone modifications have been shown to play critical roles in not only initiating, propagating, but also resolving the cellular signals to DNA breaks. In this chapter, we highlight several known histone modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, methylation, and acetylation that play important roles in various mechanisms of DNA repair.