Replication fork reversal triggers fork degradation in BRCA2-defective cells

Besides its role in homologous recombination, the tumor suppressor BRCA2 protects stalled replication forks from nucleolytic degradation. Defective fork stability contributes to chemotherapeutic sensitivity of BRCA2 -defective tumors by yet-elusive mechanisms. Using DNA fiber spreading and direct visualization of replication intermediates, we report that reversed replication forks are entry points for fork degradation in BRCA2 -defective cells....