Functions of PARylation in DNA Damage Repair Pathways

Protein poly ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) is a widespread post-translational modifica-tion at DNA lesions, which is catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). This modifi-cation regulates a number of biological processes including chromatin reorganization, DNA damage response (DDR), transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, and mitosis. PARP1, functioning as a DNA damage sensor, can be activated by DNA lesions, forming PAR chains that serve as a docking platform for DNA repair factors with high biochemical complexity. Here, we highlight molecular insights into PARylation recognition, the expanding role of PARylation in DDR path-ways, and the functional interaction between PARylation and ubiquitination, which will offer us a better understanding of the biological roles of this unique post-translational modification.