DNA photolyases and SP lyase: structure and mechanism of light-dependent and independent DNA lyases

► We performed a structural and mechanistic comparison between DNA photolyases and SP lyase. ► In contrast to DNA photolyases, SP lyase is a radical SAM and light-independent DNA repair enzyme. ► DNA photolyases and SP lyase display a distinct overall fold. ► The lesion binding mode is similar between DNA photolyases and SP lyase. ► The proposed mechanisms of (6-4) photolyase and SP lyase are still under debate and require further investigations.