Since the discovery of the
DNA double helix, there has been a fascination in understanding the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes that account for: (i) the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next and (ii) the remarkable stability of the genome.
Nucleic acid biologists have endeavored to unravel the mysteries of
DNA not only to understand the processes of DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription but to also characterize the underlying basis of
genetic diseases characterized by
chromosomal instability. Perhaps unexpectedly at first,
DNA helicases have arisen as a key class of
enzymes to study in this latter capacity. From the first discovery of
ATP-dependent
DNA unwinding
enzymes in the mid 1970's to the burgeoning of helicase-dependent pathways found to be prevalent in all kingdoms of life, the story of scientific discovery in helicase research is rich and informative. Over four decades after their discovery, we take this opportunity to provide a history of
DNA helicases. No doubt, many chapters are left to be written. Nonetheless, at this juncture we are privileged to share our perspective on the
DNA helicase field - where it has been, its current state, and where it is headed.