The homologous recombination (HR) pathway maintains genomic integrity by repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), single-strand DNA gaps, and collapsed replication forks. The process of HR involves strand invasion, homology search, and DNA strand exchange between paired DNA molecules. HR is critical for the high-fidelity repair of DNA DSBs in mitotic cells and for the exchange of genetic information during meiosis. Here we describe a DNA strand exchange reaction in vitro utilizing purified proteins and defined DNA substrates to measure the strand invasion and pairing activities of the human RAD51 protein. We further discuss how this reaction can be catalytically stimulated by the mediator protein BRCA2.
Keywords: BRCA2; DNA double-strand breaks; DNA strand exchange; Genomic instability; Homologous recombination; RAD51; RPA; Strand invasion.