The human checkpoint sensor and alternative clamp Rad9–Rad1–Hus1 can interact with and specifically stimulate DNA ligase I. The very recently described interactions of Rad9–Rad1–Hus1 with MutY DNA glycosylase, DNA polymerase β and Flap endonuclease 1 now complete our view that the long-patch base excision machinery is an important target of the Rad9–Rad1–Hus1 complex, thus enhancing the quality control of DNA.
A G-quadruplex probe incorporating 2-AP is utilized to develop a novel strategy to accurately determine UDG activity. The excision reaction promoted by UDG is designed to trigger the formation of G-quadruplex structure with significant fluorescence enhancement of 2-AP within the probe. By employing this strategy, UDG activity can be reliably determined with high sensitivity and specificity.