Figure 6. ATM limits incorrect end utilization during c-NHEJ of two tandem DSBs.

Shown is a diagram of EJ repair of two tandem non-cohesive DSBs. Incorrect end utilization is shown to be caused by elevated break persistence and/or incorrect end tethering. Notably, even when individual breaks are more persistent, incorrect end tethering is still essential to generate the Distal-EJ product. ATM/Nbs1-deficiency is modeled to cause elevated break persistence and/or incorrect end tethering, leading to incorrect end utilization during c-NHEJ.