Breaking new ground into RAD51 BRC repeats interplay in homologous recombination

Homologous recombination (HR) is a critical repair pathway involving numerous proteins that ensure error-free DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair. Dysfunction in HR components can compromise genome integrity. Despite advances, many aspects of HR remain poorly understood. Notably, even one of the earliest identified and most critical interactions, between RAD51 and BRCA2, remains incompletely characterized, mainly due to the lack of structural data. This study presents a comprehensive biophysical analysis of the RAD51–BRC repeats interaction, integrating computational and experimental approaches. Starting with assessing the correlation between the binding affinities of individual BRC repeats and their impact on RAD51 disassembly, our investigation extends to larger BRCA2 truncations, offering unprecedented insights into the molecular determinants of RAD51 recognition. As mutations in the BRC repeats impair RAD51 recruitment and are associated with cancer, these results provide a valuable framework for interpreting pathogenic variants and guiding precision medicine therapies.