O75943

Rad17 is highly similar to the gene product of Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad17, a cell cycle checkpoint gene required for cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair in response to DNA damage. Rad17 plays a crucial role in the DNA damage response, particularly in the activation of the G1 and G2 checkpoints, which are essential for maintaining genomic integrity. Rad17 is located at DNA damage sites, where Rad17 acts as a sensor that helps initiate the repair process, thereby preventing damaged DNA replication. Proper functioning of Rad17 ensures cells do not proceed through the cell cycle with unrepaired DNA, which could lead to mutations and potentially cancerous transformations. Additionally, Rad17 interacts with other checkpoint proteins, such as Rad9 and Mec3, to form a complex that is critical for the signaling cascade that activates cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage.