scholarly journals Genetic determinants of cellular addiction to DNA polymerase theta

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanjuan Feng ◽  
Dennis A. Simpson ◽  
Juan Carvajal-Garcia ◽  
Brandon A. Price ◽  
Rashmi J. Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Polymerase ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Genetic Alterations ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Genetic Determinants ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Synthetic Lethal ◽  
Initial Source ◽  
Functional Analyses

Abstract Polymerase theta (Pol θ, gene name Polq) is a widely conserved DNA polymerase that mediates a microhomology-mediated, error-prone, double strand break (DSB) repair pathway, referred to as Theta Mediated End Joining (TMEJ). Cells with homologous recombination deficiency are reliant on TMEJ for DSB repair. It is unknown whether deficiencies in other components of the DNA damage response (DDR) also result in Pol θ addiction. Here we use a CRISPR genetic screen to uncover 140 Polq synthetic lethal (PolqSL) genes, the majority of which were previously unknown. Functional analyses indicate that Pol θ/TMEJ addiction is associated with increased levels of replication-associated DSBs, regardless of the initial source of damage. We further demonstrate that approximately 30% of TCGA breast cancers have genetic alterations in PolqSL genes and exhibit genomic scars of Pol θ/TMEJ hyperactivity, thereby substantially expanding the subset of human cancers for which Pol θ inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy.

scholarly journals Defining the mutation signatures of DNA polymerase θ in cancer genomes

NAR Cancer ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Taejoo Hwang ◽  
Shelley Reh ◽  
Yerkin Dunbayev ◽  
Yi Zhong ◽  
Yoko Takata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Dna Polymerase ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Base Substitution ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Human Cancer Cells ◽  
Insertion And Deletion

Abstract DNA polymerase theta (POLQ)-mediated end joining (TMEJ) is a distinct pathway for mediating DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. TMEJ is required for the viability of BRCA-mutated cancer cells. It is crucial to identify tumors that rely on POLQ activity for DSB repair, because such tumors are defective in other DSB repair pathways and have predicted sensitivity to POLQ inhibition and to cancer therapies that produce DSBs. We define here the POLQ-associated mutation signatures in human cancers, characterized by short insertions and deletions in a specific range of microhomologies. By analyzing 82 COSMIC (Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer) signatures, we found that BRCA-mutated cancers with a higher level of POLQ expression have a greatly enhanced representation of the small insertion and deletion signature 6, as well as single base substitution signature 3. Using human cancer cells with disruptions of POLQ, we further show that TMEJ dominates end joining of two separated DSBs (distal EJ). Templated insertions with microhomology are enriched in POLQ-dependent distal EJ. The use of this signature analysis will aid in identifying tumors relying on POLQ activity.

scholarly journals Regulatory and Functional Involvement of Long Non-Coding RNAs in DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Mechanisms

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1506
Author(s):  
Angelos Papaspyropoulos ◽  
Nefeli Lagopati ◽  
Ioanna Mourkioti ◽  
Andriani Angelopoulou ◽  
Spyridon Kyriazis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Repair Mechanisms ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Repair Pathways ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Living Organisms

Protection of genome integrity is vital for all living organisms, particularly when DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) occur. Eukaryotes have developed two main pathways, namely Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) and Homologous Recombination (HR), to repair DSBs. While most of the current research is focused on the role of key protein players in the functional regulation of DSB repair pathways, accumulating evidence has uncovered a novel class of regulating factors termed non-coding RNAs. Non-coding RNAs have been found to hold a pivotal role in the activation of DSB repair mechanisms, thereby safeguarding genomic stability. In particular, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have begun to emerge as new players with vast therapeutic potential. This review summarizes important advances in the field of lncRNAs, including characterization of recently identified lncRNAs, and their implication in DSB repair pathways in the context of tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals RAP80 suppresses the vulnerability of R-loops during DNA double-strand break repair

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaaki Yasuhara ◽  
Reona Kato ◽  
Motohiro Yamauchi ◽  
Yuki Uchihara ◽  
Lee Zou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Regions ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Chromosome Translocations ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break

AbstractR-loops, consisting of ssDNA and DNA-RNA hybrids, are potentially vulnerable unless they are appropriately processed. Recent evidence suggests that R-loops can form in the proximity of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) within transcriptionally active regions. Yet, how the vulnerability of R-loops is overcome during DSB repair remains unclear. Here, we identify RAP80 as a factor suppressing the vulnerability of ssDNA in R-loops and chromosome translocations and deletions during DSB repair. Mechanistically, RAP80 prevents unscheduled nucleolytic processing of ssDNA in R-loops by CtIP. This mechanism promotes efficient DSB repair via transcription-associated end-joining dependent on BRCA1, Polθ, and LIG1/3. Thus, RAP80 suppresses the vulnerability of R-loops during DSB repair, thereby precluding genomic abnormalities in a critical component of the genome caused by deleterious R-loop processing.

scholarly journals cGAS guards against chromosome end-to-end fusions during mitosis and facilitates replicative senescence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaocui Li ◽  
Xiaojuan Li ◽  
Chen Xie ◽  
Sihui Cai ◽  
Mengqiu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Mitotic Chromosome ◽  
Replicative Senescence ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
End To End ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Sting Pathway

AbstractAs a sensor of cytosolic DNA, the role of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) in innate immune response is well established, yet how its functions in different biological conditions remain to be elucidated. Here, we identify cGAS as an essential regulator in inhibiting mitotic DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and protecting short telomeres from end-to-end fusion independent of the canonical cGAS-STING pathway. cGAS associates with telomeric/subtelomeric DNA during mitosis when TRF1/TRF2/POT1 are deficient on telomeres. Depletion of cGAS leads to mitotic chromosome end-to-end fusions predominantly occurring between short telomeres. Mechanistically, cGAS interacts with CDK1 and positions them to chromosome ends. Thus, CDK1 inhibits mitotic non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by blocking the recruitment of RNF8. cGAS-deficient human primary cells are defective in entering replicative senescence and display chromosome end-to-end fusions, genome instability and prolonged growth arrest. Altogether, cGAS safeguards genome stability by controlling mitotic DSB repair to inhibit mitotic chromosome end-to-end fusions, thus facilitating replicative senescence.

Double strand break (DSB) repair pathways in plants and their application in genome engineering

2021 ◽  
pp. 27-62
Author(s):  
Natalja Beying ◽  
◽  
Carla Schmidt ◽  
Holger Puchta ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Engineering ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Repair Mechanisms ◽  
Repair Pathways ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

In genome engineering, after targeted induction of double strand breaks (DSBs) researchers take advantage of the organisms’ own repair mechanisms to induce different kinds of sequence changes into the genome. Therefore, understanding of the underlying mechanisms is essential. This chapter will review in detail the two main pathways of DSB repair in plant cells, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) and sum up what we have learned over the last decades about them. We summarize the different models that have been proposed and set these into relation with the molecular outcomes of different classes of DSB repair. Moreover, we describe the factors that have been identified to be involved in these pathways. Applying this knowledge of DSB repair should help us to improve the efficiency of different types of genome engineering in plants.

scholarly journals Involvement of POLA2 in Double Strand Break Repair and Genotoxic Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 4245
Author(s):  
Tuyen T. Dang ◽  
Julio C. Morales
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Genomic Instability ◽  
Dna Polymerase ◽  
Genotoxic Stress ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Break Repair ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Dna Polymerase Alpha ◽  
Break Repair

Cellular survival is dependent on the efficient replication and transmission of genomic information. DNA damage can be introduced into the genome by several different methods, one being the act of DNA replication. Replication is a potent source of DNA damage and genomic instability, especially through the formation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). DNA polymerase alpha is responsible for replication initiation. One subunit of the DNA polymerase alpha replication machinery is POLA2. Given the connection between replication and genomic instability, we decided to examine the role of POLA2 in DSB repair, as little is known about this topic. We found that loss of POLA2 leads to an increase in spontaneous DSB formation. Loss of POLA2 also slows DSB repair kinetics after treatment with etoposide and inhibits both of the major double strand break repair pathways: non-homologous end-joining and homologous recombination. In addition, loss of POLA2 leads to increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation and PARP1 inhibition. Lastly, POLA2 expression is elevated in glioblastoma multiforme tumors and correlates with poor overall patient survival. These data demonstrate a role for POLA2 in DSB repair and resistance to genotoxic stress.

scholarly journals RAD-51-Dependent and -Independent Roles of a Caenorhabditis elegans BRCA2-Related Protein during DNA Double-Strand Break Repair

2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 3127-3139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie S. Martin ◽  
Nicole Winkelmann ◽  
Mark I. R. Petalcorin ◽  
Michael J. McIlwraith ◽  
Simon J. Boulton
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Break ◽  
Nonhomologous End Joining ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Phenotypic Differences ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Radiation Induced

ABSTRACT The BRCA2 tumor suppressor is implicated in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR), where it regulates the RAD51 recombinase. We describe a BRCA2-related protein of Caenorhabditis elegans (CeBRC-2) that interacts directly with RAD-51 via a single BRC motif and that binds preferentially to single-stranded DNA through an oligonucleotide-oligosaccharide binding fold. Cebrc-2 mutants fail to repair meiotic or radiation-induced DSBs by HR due to inefficient RAD-51 nuclear localization and a failure to target RAD-51 to sites of DSBs. Genetic and cytological comparisons of Cebrc-2 and rad-51 mutants revealed fundamental phenotypic differences that suggest a role for Cebrc-2 in promoting the use of an alternative repair pathway in the absence of rad-51 and independent of nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Unlike rad-51 mutants, Cebrc-2 mutants also accumulate RPA-1 at DSBs, and abnormal chromosome aggregates that arise during the meiotic prophase can be rescued by blocking the NHEJ pathway. CeBRC-2 also forms foci in response to DNA damage and can do so independently of rad-51. Thus, CeBRC-2 not only regulates RAD-51 during HR but can also function independently of rad-51 in DSB repair processes.

scholarly journals ERCC1-XPF Endonuclease Facilitates DNA Double-Strand Break Repair

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (16) ◽  
pp. 5082-5092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwaar Ahmad ◽  
Andria Rasile Robinson ◽  
Anette Duensing ◽  
Ellen van Drunen ◽  
H. Berna Beverloo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Irradiation ◽  
Excision Repair ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Dna Lesions ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Large Deletions ◽  
Mutant Cells

ABSTRACT ERCC1-XPF endonuclease is required for nucleotide excision repair (NER) of helix-distorting DNA lesions. However, mutations in ERCC1 or XPF in humans or mice cause a more severe phenotype than absence of NER, prompting a search for novel repair activities of the nuclease. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, orthologs of ERCC1-XPF (Rad10-Rad1) participate in the repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Rad10-Rad1 contributes to two error-prone DSB repair pathways: microhomology-mediated end joining (a Ku86-independent mechanism) and single-strand annealing. To determine if ERCC1-XPF participates in DSB repair in mammals, mutant cells and mice were screened for sensitivity to gamma irradiation. ERCC1-XPF-deficient fibroblasts were hypersensitive to gamma irradiation, and γH2AX foci, a marker of DSBs, persisted in irradiated mutant cells, consistent with a defect in DSB repair. Mutant mice were also hypersensitive to irradiation, establishing an essential role for ERCC1-XPF in protecting against DSBs in vivo. Mice defective in both ERCC1-XPF and Ku86 were not viable. However, Ercc1 −/− Ku86 −/− fibroblasts were hypersensitive to gamma irradiation compared to single mutants and accumulated significantly greater chromosomal aberrations. Finally, in vitro repair of DSBs with 3′ overhangs led to large deletions in the absence of ERCC1-XPF. These data support the conclusion that, as in yeast, ERCC1-XPF facilitates DSB repair via an end-joining mechanism that is Ku86 independent.

scholarly journals Nucleosome disassembly during human non-homologous end joining followed by concerted HIRA- and CAF-1-dependent reassembly

eLife ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Li ◽  
Jessica K Tyler
Keyword(s):  
Strand Break ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Efficient Removal ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Dna End Resection ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Nucleosome Disassembly ◽  
End Resection ◽  
Assembly Pathways

The cell achieves DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in the context of chromatin structure. However, the mechanisms used to expose DSBs to the repair machinery and to restore the chromatin organization after repair remain elusive. Here we show that induction of a DSB in human cells causes local nucleosome disassembly, apparently independently from DNA end resection. This efficient removal of histone H3 from the genome during non-homologous end joining was promoted by both ATM and the ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeler INO80. Chromatin reassembly during DSB repair was dependent on the HIRA histone chaperone that is specific to the replication-independent histone variant H3.3 and on CAF-1 that is specific to the replication-dependent canonical histones H3.1/H3.2. Our data suggest that the epigenetic information is re-established after DSB repair by the concerted and interdependent action of replication-independent and replication-dependent chromatin assembly pathways.

scholarly journals Trapped Topoisomerase II initiates formation of de novo duplications via the nonhomologous end-joining pathway in yeast

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Stantial ◽  
Anna Rogojina ◽  
Matthew Gilbertson ◽  
Yilun Sun ◽  
Hannah Miles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Topoisomerase Ii ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Break ◽  
Nonhomologous End Joining ◽  
Mutant Form ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Drugs ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Dna Strands

ABSTRACTTopoisomerase II (Top2) is an essential enzyme that resolves catenanes between sister chromatids as well as supercoils associated with the over- or under-winding of duplex DNA. Top2 alters DNA topology by making a double-strand break (DSB) in DNA and passing an intact duplex through the break. Each component monomer of the Top2 homodimer nicks one of the DNA strands and forms a covalent phosphotyrosyl bond with the 5’ end. Stabilization of this intermediate by chemotherapeutic drugs such as etoposide leads to persistent and potentially toxic DSBs. We describe the isolation of a yeast top2 mutant (top2- F1025Y,R1128G) whose product generates a stabilized cleavage intermediate in vitro. In yeast cells, overexpression of the top2- F1025Y,R1128G allele is associated with a novel mutation signature that is characterized by de novo duplications of DNA sequence that depend on the nonhomologous end-joining pathway of DSB repair. Top2-associated duplications are promoted by the clean removal of the enzyme from DNA ends and are suppressed when the protein is removed as part of an oligonucleotide. TOP2 cells treated with etoposide exhibit the same mutation signature, as do cells that over-express the wild-type protein. These results have implications for genome evolution and are relevant to the clinical use of chemotherapeutic drugs that target Top2.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDNA-strand separation during transcription and replication creates topological problems that are resolved by topoisomerases. These enzymes nick DNA strands to allow strand passage and then reseal the broken DNA to restore its integrity. Topoisomerase II (Top2) nicks complementary DNA strands to create double-strand break (DSBs) intermediates that can be stabilized by chemotherapeutic drugs and are toxic if not repaired. We identified a mutant form of yeast Top2 that forms stabilized cleavage intermediates in the absence of drugs. Over- expression of the mutant Top2 was associated with a unique mutation signature in which small (1-4 bp), unique segments of DNA were duplicated. These de novo duplications required the nonhomologous end-joining pathway of DSB repair, and their Top2-dependence has clinical and evolutionary implications.

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