C20orf196 Inhibitors

The protein known as shieldin complex subunit 1 is a constituent of the shieldin complex, a multi-protein assembly that plays a crucial role in DNA repair, specifically in the pathway of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). NHEJ is one of the primary mechanisms by which cells repair double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, a type of damage that can result from radiation, oxidative stress, and various chemical exposures. DSBs are among the most deleterious forms of DNA damage, and their accurate repair is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing conditions such as cancer.Shieldin complex subunit 1 collaborates with other components in the shieldin complex to facilitate the repair process. The complex is believed to be involved in the sensing of broken DNA ends, as well as in the protection of DNA at break sites against resection. This protection is important because excessive resection can lead to loss of genetic information and can impact the repair process negatively.

The shieldin complex is also implicated in the regulation of the activity of the DNA repair protein 53BP1, a key player in the NHEJ pathway. By interacting with 53BP1, the shieldin complex helps to modulate the choice of DNA repair pathway-favoring NHEJ over homologous recombination (HR)-particularly in the G1 phase of the cell cycle when sister chromatids are not available as repair templates.Disruption or mutations in "shieldin complex subunit 1" can lead to deficiencies in DSB repair, resulting in increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents and a predisposition to genomic instability. This instability is a hallmark of many cancers, and as such, the function of "shieldin complex subunit 1" and its interactions within the DNA damage response are of significant interest in cancer biology.