RecQ family helicases: roles in cancer and aging

The RecQ family of DNA helicases includes at least three members in humans that are defective in genetic disorders associated with cancer predispositi on and/or premature aging. Recent studies have shed light on the roles of R ecQ helicases in suppressing 'promiscuous' genetic recombination and in ens uring accurate chromosome segregation. In particular, the biochemical prope rties of several family members have been characterised and functional inte ractions with other nuclear proteins have been defined.