REV1 Activators

The class of chemicals known as REV1 activators encompasses a diverse range of compounds that indirectly influence the activity of the DNA repair protein REV1. These chemicals do not activate REV1 directly; rather, their actions induce cellular states or DNA damage that necessitates the involvement of REV1 as part of the cellular DNA repair machinery. The primary mechanism through which these chemicals exert their influence is by inducing various forms of DNA damage or stress, thereby activating DNA repair pathways where REV1 is a critical component.

REV1 is integral to the Translesion Synthesis (TLS) pathway, a mechanism that allows DNA replication to continue past sites of damage. Chemicals like cisplatin and hydroxyurea induce DNA lesions or replication stress, respectively, leading to the activation of pathways that require REV1's function. Other compounds, such as camptothecin and etoposide, inhibit topoisomerases, resulting in DNA strand breaks that engage REV1 in the repair process. Similarly, PARP inhibitors like olaparib create conditions where double-strand breaks occur, indirectly involving REV1 in the repair mechanisms. Additionally, some chemicals in this class target key proteins in the DNA damage response pathways. For instance, ATR, ATM, and CHK1 inhibitors disrupt the normal signaling processes in response to DNA damage. The disruption of these pathways can lead to an increased reliance on REV1's role in DNA repair, especially under conditions where alternative repair mechanisms are impaired or overwhelmed.