There and back again: new single-molecule insights in the motion of DNA repair proteins

► Single-molecule analyses revealed diffusive behaviors of DNA repair proteins. ► 1D and 3D search and intersegmental transfer are used to locate the target loci. ► MutS forms distinct clamps on DNA before and after mismatch recognition. ► RAD52 uses 1D sliding to impose quality control on annealing of complementary strands. ► Homology search by RecA is facilitated by intersegmental transfer and 1D sliding.