S-phase and DNA damage activated establishment of sister chromatid cohesion--importance for DNA repair.

By holding sister chromatids together from the moment of their formation until their separation at anaphase, the multi subunit protein complex Cohesin guarantees correct chromosome segregation. This S-phase established chromatid cohesion is also essential for repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in postreplicative cells. In addition, Cohesin has to be recruited to a DSB, and new cohesion has to form in response to the damage for repair. When it became clear that cohesion is created de novo in response to DNA breaks, the term "damage induced cohesion" (DI-cohesion) was coined. It is now established that certain factors are needed for establishment of both S-phase and DI-cohesion, while others have been found to be unique for respective process. In addition, post-translational modifications of Cohesin components that are functionally important for cohesion formation, either during S-phase or in response to damage, have recently been identified. Here, we present and discuss the current models for establishment of S-phase and DI-cohesion in the context of their involvement in DSB repair. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.