Artesunate Induces Oxidative DNA Damage, Sustained DNA Double-Strand Breaks, and the ATM/ATR Damage Response in Cancer Cells

Abstract Background The p97/valosin-containing protein (VCP) complex is a crucial factor for the segregation of ubiquitinated proteins in the DNA damage response and repair pathway. Objective We investigated whether blocking the p97/VCP function can inhibit the proliferation of RepID-deficient cancer cells using immunofluorescence, clonogenic survival assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and immunoblotting. Result p97/VCP was recruited to chromatin and colocalized with DNA double-strand breaks in RepID-deficient cancer cells that undergo spontaneous DNA damage. Inhibition of p97/VCP induced death of RepID-depleted cancer cells. This study highlights the potential of targeting p97/VCP complex as an anticancer therapeutic approach. Conclusion Our results show that RepID is required to prevent excessive DNA damage at the endogenous levels. Localization of p97/VCP to DSB sites was induced based on spontaneous DNA damage in RepID-depleted cancer cells. Anticancer drugs targeting p97/VCP may be highly potent in RepID-deficient cells. Therefore, we suggest that p97/VCP inhibitors synergize with RepID depletion to kill cancer cells.

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Human papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein targets RNF168 to hijack the host DNA damage response

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1906102116 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 116 (39) ◽

pp. 19552-19562 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Justine Sitz ◽

Sophie Anne Blanchet ◽

Steven F. Gameiro ◽

Elise Biquand ◽

Tia M. Morgan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Dna Damage ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Genomic Instability ◽

E3 Ligase ◽

Human Papillomaviruses ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

Nuclear Bodies ◽

Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽

Strand Breaks

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) promote cervical cancer as well as a subset of anogenital and head and neck cancers. Due to their limited coding capacity, HPVs hijack the host cell’s DNA replication and repair machineries to replicate their own genomes. How this host–pathogen interaction contributes to genomic instability is unknown. Here, we report that HPV-infected cancer cells express high levels of RNF168, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is critical for proper DNA repair following DNA double-strand breaks, and accumulate high numbers of 53BP1 nuclear bodies, a marker of genomic instability induced by replication stress. We describe a mechanism by which HPV E7 subverts the function of RNF168 at DNA double-strand breaks, providing a rationale for increased homology-directed recombination in E6/E7-expressing cervical cancer cells. By targeting a new regulatory domain of RNF168, E7 binds directly to the E3 ligase without affecting its enzymatic activity. As RNF168 knockdown impairs viral genome amplification in differentiated keratinocytes, we propose that E7 hijacks the E3 ligase to promote the viral replicative cycle. This study reveals a mechanism by which tumor viruses reshape the cellular response to DNA damage by manipulating RNF168-dependent ubiquitin signaling. Importantly, our findings reveal a pathway by which HPV may promote the genomic instability that drives oncogenesis.

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Focused ultrasound radiosensitizes human cancer cells by enhancement of DNA damage

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie ◽

10.1007/s00066-021-01774-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xinrui Zhang ◽

Mariana Bobeica ◽

Michael Unger ◽

Anastasia Bednarz ◽

Bjoern Gerold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Dna Damage ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Metabolic Activity ◽

Focused Ultrasound ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ◽

Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽

Strand Breaks

Abstract Purpose High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU/FUS) has expanded as a noninvasive quantifiable option for hyperthermia (HT). HT in a temperature range of 40–47 °C (thermal dose CEM43 ≥ 25) could work as a sensitizer to radiation therapy (RT). Here, we attempted to understand the tumor radiosensitization effect at the cellular level after a combination treatment of FUS+RT. Methods An in vitro FUS system was developed to induce HT at frequencies of 1.147 and 1.467 MHz. Human head and neck cancer (FaDU), glioblastoma (T98G), and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells were exposed to FUS in ultrasound-penetrable 96-well plates followed by single-dose X‑ray irradiation (10 Gy). Radiosensitizing effects of FUS were investigated by cell metabolic activity (WST‑1 assay), apoptosis (annexin V assay, sub-G1 assay), cell cycle phases (propidium iodide staining), and DNA double-strand breaks (γH2A.X assay). Results The FUS intensities of 213 (1.147 MHz) and 225 W/cm2 (1.467 MHz) induced HT for 30 min at mean temperatures of 45.20 ± 2.29 °C (CEM43 = 436 ± 88) and 45.59 ± 1.65 °C (CEM43 = 447 ± 79), respectively. FUS improves the effect of RT significantly by reducing metabolic activity in T98G cells 48 h (RT: 96.47 ± 8.29%; FUS+RT: 79.38 ± 14.93%; p = 0.012) and in PC-3 cells 72 h (54.20 ± 10.85%; 41.01 ± 11.17%; p = 0.016) after therapy, but not in FaDu cells. Mechanistically, FUS+RT leads to increased apoptosis and enhancement of DNA double-strand breaks compared to RT alone in T98G and PC-3 cells. Conclusion Our in vitro findings demonstrate that FUS has good potential to sensitize glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells to RT by mainly enhancing DNA damage.

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ATM-dependent pathways of chromatin remodelling and oxidative DNA damage responses

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.2016.0283 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 372 (1731) ◽

pp. 20160283 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

N. Daniel Berger ◽

Fintan K. T. Stanley ◽

Shaun Moore ◽

Aaron A. Goodarzi

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Oxidative Dna Damage ◽

Strand Break ◽

Chromatin Remodelling ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

Biochemical Network ◽

Regulatory Function ◽

Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽

Strand Breaks ◽

The Impact

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a serine/threonine protein kinase with a master regulatory function in the DNA damage response. In this role, ATM commands a complex biochemical network that signals the presence of oxidative DNA damage, including the dangerous DNA double-strand break, and facilitates subsequent repair. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding ATM-dependent chromatin remodelling and epigenomic alterations that are required to maintain genomic integrity in the presence of DNA double-strand breaks and/or oxidative stress. We will focus particularly on the roles of ATM in adjusting nucleosome spacing at sites of unresolved DNA double-strand breaks within complex chromatin environments, and the impact of ATM on preserving the health of cells within the mammalian central nervous system. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Chromatin modifiers and remodellers in DNA repair and signalling’.

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Sae2 antagonizes Rad9 accumulation at DNA double-strand breaks to attenuate checkpoint signaling and facilitate end resection

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1816539115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 115 (51) ◽

pp. E11961-E11969 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Tai-Yuan Yu ◽

Michael T. Kimble ◽

Lorraine S. Symington

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Dna Damage Response ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽

Inhibitory Effects ◽

Checkpoint Signaling ◽

Synthetic Lethal ◽

Strand Breaks ◽

Damage Response ◽

End Resection

The Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2NBS1 complex plays important roles in the DNA damage response by activating the Tel1ATM kinase and catalyzing 5′–3′ resection at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). To initiate resection, Mre11 endonuclease nicks the 5′ strands at DSB ends in a reaction stimulated by Sae2CtIP. Accordingly, Mre11-nuclease deficient (mre11-nd) and sae2Δ mutants are expected to exhibit similar phenotypes; however, we found several notable differences. First, sae2Δ cells exhibit greater sensitivity to genotoxins than mre11-nd cells. Second, sae2Δ is synthetic lethal with sgs1Δ, whereas the mre11-nd sgs1Δ mutant is viable. Third, Sae2 attenuates the Tel1-Rad53CHK2 checkpoint and antagonizes Rad953BP1 accumulation at DSBs independent of Mre11 nuclease. We show that Sae2 competes with other Tel1 substrates, thus reducing Rad9 binding to chromatin and to Rad53. We suggest that persistent Sae2 binding at DSBs in the mre11-nd mutant counteracts the inhibitory effects of Rad9 and Rad53 on Exo1 and Dna2-Sgs1–mediated resection, accounting for the different phenotypes conferred by mre11-nd and sae2Δ mutations. Collectively, these data show a resection initiation independent role for Sae2 at DSBs by modulating the DNA damage checkpoint.

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Recent advances in the nucleolar responses to DNA double-strand breaks

Nucleic Acids Research ◽

10.1093/nar/gkaa713 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (17) ◽

pp. 9449-9461

Author(s):

Lea Milling Korsholm ◽

Zita Gál ◽

Blanca Nieto ◽

Oliver Quevedo ◽

Stavroula Boukoura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Dna Repair ◽

Dna Damage Response ◽

Ribosomal Dna ◽

Repetitive Sequences ◽

Dna Lesions ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽

Strand Breaks ◽

Damage Response

Abstract DNA damage poses a serious threat to human health and cells therefore continuously monitor and repair DNA lesions across the genome. Ribosomal DNA is a genomic domain that represents a particular challenge due to repetitive sequences, high transcriptional activity and its localization in the nucleolus, where the accessibility of DNA repair factors is limited. Recent discoveries have significantly extended our understanding of how cells respond to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the nucleolus, and new kinases and multiple down-stream targets have been identified. Restructuring of the nucleolus can occur as a consequence of DSBs and new data point to an active regulation of this process, challenging previous views. Furthermore, new insights into coordination of cell cycle phases and ribosomal DNA repair argue against existing concepts. In addition, the importance of nucleolar-DNA damage response (n-DDR) mechanisms for maintenance of genome stability and the potential of such factors as anti-cancer targets is becoming apparent. This review will provide a detailed discussion of recent findings and their implications for our understanding of the n-DDR. The n-DDR shares features with the DNA damage response (DDR) elsewhere in the genome but is also emerging as an independent response unique to ribosomal DNA and the nucleolus.

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Feedback regulation of methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 via ATM/Chk2 pathway contributes to the resistance of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to cisplatin

Tumor Biology ◽

10.1177/1010428317694307 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 101042831769430 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Juan Lv ◽

Ying Qian ◽

Xiaoyan Ni ◽

Xiuping Xu ◽

Xuejun Dong

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Feedback Regulation ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

Gene Clone ◽

Methyl Methanesulfonate ◽

Strand Breaks ◽

Damage Response ◽

Dna Replication And Repair ◽

Mcf 7

The methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 protein is a structure-specific nuclease that plays important roles in DNA replication and repair. Knockdown of methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 has been found to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well understood. We found that methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 was upregulated and the ATM/Chk2 pathway was activated at the same time when MCF-7 cells were treated with cisplatin. By using lentivirus targeting methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 gene, we showed that knockdown of methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 enhanced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in MCF-7 cells under cisplatin treatment. Abrogation of ATM/Chk2 pathway inhibited cell viability in MCF-7 cells in response to cisplatin. Importantly, we revealed that ATM/Chk2 was required for the upregulation of methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81, and knockdown of methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 resulted in inactivation of ATM/Chk2 pathway in response to cisplatin. Meanwhile, knockdown of methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 activated the p53/Bcl-2 pathway in response to cisplatin. These data suggest that the ATM/Chk2 may promote the repair of DNA damage caused by cisplatin by sustaining methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81, and the double-strand breaks generated by methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 may activate the ATM/Chk2 pathway in turn, which provide a novel mechanism of how methyl methanesulfonate and ultraviolet-sensitive gene clone 81 modulates DNA damage response and repair.

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DNA double-strand breaks in the Toxoplasma gondii-infected cells by the action of reactive oxygen species

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-020-04324-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Haohan Zhuang ◽

Chaoqun Yao ◽

Xianfeng Zhao ◽

Xueqiu Chen ◽

Yimin Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

Host Cells ◽

Oxygen Species ◽

Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽

Strand Breaks ◽

Damage Response ◽

Infected Cells

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate parasite of all warm-blooded animals around the globe. Once infecting a cell, it manipulates the host’s DNA damage response that is yet to be elucidated. The objectives of the present study were three-fold: (i) to assess DNA damages in T. gondii-infected cells in vitro; (ii) to ascertain causes of DNA damage in T. gondii-infected cells; and (iii) to investigate activation of DNA damage responses during T. gondii infection. Methods HeLa, Vero and HEK293 cells were infected with T. gondii at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10:1. Infected cells were analyzed for a biomarker of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) γH2AX at 10 h, 20 h or 30 h post-infection using both western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA), and ROS-induced DNA damage was inhibited by a ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Lastly, DNA damage responses were evaluated by detecting the active form of ataxia telangiectasia mutated/checkpoint kinase 2 (ATM/CHK2) by western blot. Results γH2AX levels in the infected HeLa cells were significantly increased over time during T. gondii infection compared to uninfected cells. NAC treatment greatly reduced ROS and concomitantly diminished γH2AX in host cells. The phosphorylated ATM/CHK2 were elevated in T. gondii-infected cells. Conclusions Toxoplasma gondii infection triggered DNA DSBs with ROS as a major player in host cells in vitro. It also activated DNA damage response pathway ATM/CHK2. Toxoplasma gondii manages to keep a balance between survival and apoptosis of its host cells for the benefit of its own survival.

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Heterochromatin and the DNA damage response: the need to relaxThis paper is one of a selection of papers in a Special Issue entitled 31st Annual International Asilomar Chromatin and Chromosomes Conference, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology ◽

10.1139/o10-113 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 89 (1) ◽

pp. 45-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 72

Author(s):

Kendra L. Cann ◽

Graham Dellaire

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

Dna Damage Response ◽

Chromatin Structure ◽

Peer Review Process ◽

Double Strand Breaks ◽

Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽

Atm Kinase ◽

Strand Breaks ◽

Damage Response ◽

Chromosomal Mutations

Higher order chromatin structure has an impact on all nuclear functions, including the DNA damage response. Over the past several years, it has become increasingly clear that heterochromatin and euchromatin represent separate entities with respect to both damage sensitivity and repair. The chromatin compaction present in heterochromatin helps to protect this DNA from damage; however, when lesions do occur, the compaction restricts the ability of DNA damage response proteins to access the site, as evidenced by its ability to block the expansion of H2AX phosphorylation. As such, DNA damage in heterochromatin is refractory to repair, which requires the surrounding chromatin structure to be decondensed. In the case of DNA double-strand breaks, this relaxation is at least partially mediated by the ATM kinase phosphorylating and inhibiting the function of the transcriptional repressor KAP1. This review will focus on the functions of KAP1 and other proteins involved in the maintenance or restriction of heterochromatin, including HP1 and TIP60, in the DNA damage response. As heterochromatin is important for maintaining genomic stability, cells must maintain a delicate balance between allowing repair factors access to these regions and ensuring that these regions retain their organization to prevent increased DNA damage and chromosomal mutations.

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