The BARD1/HP1 interaction: Another clue to heterochromatin involvement in homologous recombination

Chromatin compaction represents a barrier for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, heterochromatin components are also required for DSB repair by homologous recombination. The BARD1/HP1 interaction, required for the retention of BRCA1, CTIP, and RAD51 at DSB sites, may play a critical role in the crosstalk between chromatin compaction and DSB repair.