Homologous recombination is essential for DNA repair. Here, the authors present cryo-EM structures capturing five distinct intermediates of the RAD51 filament during strand exchange. These findings suggest a spatially coordinated, stepwise mechanism where the NTD guides DNA bending, while the L2 loop and S2 sites promote strand separation and product stabilization.
- Shih-Chi Luo
- Cheng-Han Yang
- Meng-Chiao Ho