%0 Journal Article
%T The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK): More than just a case of making ends meet?
%A Hill R
%A Lee PW
%J Cell Cycle
%V 9
%N 17
%D Sep 2010 1
%M 20855954
%F 5.173
%R 10.4161/cc.9.17.13043
%X The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) has a vital role in DNA double strand break repair and in mediating V(D) J recombination events. Over the years a body of data has implicated DNA-PK playing a significant role in mediating a p53-dependent apoptotic response under a range of cellular conditions including exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), environmental carcinogens and chemotherapeutic agents or in cells that have critically shortened telomeres. These findings raise the hypothesis that DNA-PK acts as both a sensor and transmitter of DNA damage signals that directly impact cell fate. These many overlapping roles are discussed and considered in this review article.