The BRCA1 ubiquitin ligase and homologous recombination repair

► Ubiquitin modification plays central roles in homologous recombination repair of DNA breaks. ► The BRCA1 E3 ubiquitin ligase is essential for the process. ► However, the significance of the enzyme activity in the process has not yet been clarified. ► We summarize recent knowledge for BRCA1 function in homologous recombination and discuss possible roles of the activity.