In eukaryotes, condensing chromosomal DNA into heterochromatin is important for gene silencing and proper chromosome segregation. A recent study suggests a function for heterochromatin in protecting highly repeated genes and satellite DNA against excision caused by recombination or by joining of free DNA ends following DNA damage.
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Pikaard, C., Pontes, O. Heterochromatin: condense or excise. Nat Cell Biol 9, 19–20 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb0107-19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb0107-19
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