Cloning and sequence of the human RecA-like gene cDNA

The RAD51 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae belongs to Rad52 epistasis group, which has been identified by sensitivity to ionizing radiation.Mutations in this gene cause X-ray sensitivity, inability to repair double-strand DNA breaks, decreased spontaneous and induced mitotic recombination and decreased meiotic recombination.They also result in poor formation of spores with low viability and deficiencies in mating- type switching (1).The yeast RAD51 cDNA is cloned and its gene product is shown to be structurally similar to E. coli RecA protein, to bind to single and double-stranded DNAs and to be induced by UV and -y-ray (2-4).We have isolated a cDNA homolog of the yeast RAD51 gene from mouse testis and have shown that the homologs of yeast RAD51 gene exist universally in vertebrates including man (submitted to elsewhere).Using the cDNA of a mouse Rad5J homolog as a probe, we have isolated a human cDNA homolog of the yeast RA4D51 gene.