Human ELG1 regulates the level of ubiquitinated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) through Its interactions with PCNA and USP1

The Enok acetyltransferase complex interacts with Elg1 and negatively regulates PCNA unloading to promote the G1/S transition

KAT6 histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are highly conserved in eukaryotes and are involved in cell cycle regulation. However, information regarding their roles in regulating cell cycle progression is limited. Here, we report the identification of subunits of the Drosophila Enok complex and demonstrate that all subunits are important for its HAT activity. We further report a novel interaction between the Enok complex and the Elg1 proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-unloader complex. Depletion of Enok in S2 cells resulted in a G1/S cell cycle block, and this block can be partially relieved by depleting Elg1. Furthermore, depletion of Enok reduced the chromatin-bound levels of PCNA in both S2 cells and early embryos, suggesting that the Enok complex may interact with the Elg1 complex and down-regulate its PCNA-unloading function to promote the G1/S transition. Supporting this hypothesis, depletion of Enok also partially rescued the endoreplication defects in Elg1-depleted nurse cells. Taken together, our study provides novel insights into the roles of KAT6 HATs in cell cycle regulation through modulating PCNA levels on chromatin.

Deubiquitinases and cancer: A snapshot

Ubiquitination is the vital system for controlling protein degradation and regulation of basic cellular processes. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are emerging as an important regulator of several pathways related to cancer and other diseases. Their ability to detach ubiquitin from the target substrate and regulation of signaling makes it potential target to treat cancer and other fatal diseases. In the current review, we are trying to summarize deubiquitination, and their role in cancer and potential small molecules DUBs inhibitors which can be used as drugs for cancer treatment.

Rare ATAD5 missense variants in breast and ovarian cancer patients

ATAD5/ELG1 is a protein crucially involved in replication and maintenance of genome stability. ATAD5 has recently been identified as a genomic risk locus for both breast and ovarian cancer through genome-wide association studies. We aimed to investigate the spectrum of coding ATAD5 germ-line mutations in hospital-based series of patients with triple-negative breast cancer or serous ovarian cancer compared with healthy controls. The ATAD5 coding and adjacent splice site regions were analyzed by targeted next-generation sequencing of DNA samples from 273 cancer patients, including 114 patients with triple-negative breast cancer and 159 patients with serous epithelial ovarian cancer, and from 276 healthy females. Among 42 different variants identified, twenty-two were rare missense substitutions, of which 14 were classified as pathogenic by at least one in silico prediction tool. Three of four novel missense substitutions (p.S354I, p.H974R and p.K1466N) were predicted to be pathogenic and were all identified in ovarian cancer patients. Overall, rare missense variants with predicted pathogenicity tended to be enriched in ovarian cancer patients (14/159) versus controls (11/276) (p = 0.05, 2df). While truncating germ-line variants in ATAD5 were not detected, it remains possible that several rare missense variants contribute to genetic susceptibility toward epithelial ovarian carcinomas.

Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Upregulates hELG1/ ATAD5 Expression through E2F1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The precise mechanism by which HBx protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) impacts on hepato-carcinogenesis remain largely elusive despite strong evidences for its' involvement in the process. Here, we have investigated the role of HBx on expression of a novel gene hELG1/ATAD5, which is required for genome maintenance and its' importance in hepatocarcinogenesis. This study has for the first time showed that the expression of this gene was significantly higher in human cancer such as HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in different HCC cell lines compared to normal liver. In addition, a significant elevation in ATAD5 expression was also found in HBx transfected HCC cell lines implicating HBx mediated transcriptional regulation on ATAD5. Using different deletion mutant constructs of putative promoter, the active promoter region was first identified here and subsequently the regulatory region of HBx was mapped by promoter-luciferase assay. But ChIP assay with anti-HBx antibody revealed that HBx was not physically present in ATAD5 transcription machinery whereas anti-E2F1 antibody showed the presence of E2F1 in the complex. Luciferase assay with E2F1 binding site mutant had further confirmed it. Moreover, both loss-and gain-of-function studies of ATAD5 showed that ATAD5 could enhance HBV production in transfected cells whereas knock down of ATAD5 increased the sensitivity of HCC cell line to chemotherapeutics 5-fluorouracil. Overall, this data suggests that a positive feedback loop regulation between ATAD5 and HBV contributed to both viral replication and chemo-resistance of HCC cells.

Role of Deubiquitinating Enzymes in DNA Repair

Both proteolytic and nonproteolytic functions of ubiquitination are essential regulatory mechanisms for promoting DNA repair and the DNA damage response in mammalian cells. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) have emerged as key players in the maintenance of genome stability. In this minireview, we discuss the recent findings on human DUBs that participate in genome maintenance, with a focus on the role of DUBs in the modulation of DNA repair and DNA damage signaling.

The BAH domain of BAF180 is required for PCNA ubiquitination

Monoubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a critical regulator of post replication repair (PRR). The depletion of BAF180, a unique subunit of the PBAF chromatin remodeling complex in human cells results in reduced PCNA ubiquitination leading to less efficient fork progression following DNA damage, but little is known about the mechanism. Here, we report that the expression of exogenous BAF180 in cells promotes PCNA ubiquitination during S-phase after UV irradiation and it persists for many hours. No correlation was observed between the protein level of ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) and ubiquitinated PCNA in BAF180 expressing cells. Analysis of cells expressing BAF180 deletion mutants showed that the bromo-adjacent homology (BAH) domains are responsible for this effect. Surprisingly, a deletion construct encoding only the BAH domain region is able to increase the level of ubiquitinated PCNA, even though it is unable to be assembled into the PBAF complex. These results suggest that the ATPase-dependent chromatin remodeling activity of PBAF is not necessary, but instead the BAH domains are sufficient to promote PCNA ubiquitination.

Layers of DUB regulation

Proteolytic enzymes, such as (iso-)peptidases, are potentially hazardous for cells. To neutralize their potential danger, tight control of their activities has evolved. Deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) are isopeptidases involved in eukaryotic ubiquitylation. They reverse ubiquitin signals by hydrolyzing ubiquitin adducts, giving them control over all aspects of ubiquitin biology. The importance of DUB function is underscored by their frequent deregulation in human disease, making these enzymes potential drug targets. Here, we review the different layers of DUB enzyme regulation. We discuss how post-translational modification (PTM), regulatory domains within DUBs, and incorporation of DUBs into macromolecular complexes contribute to their activity. We conclude that most DUBs are likely to use a combination of these basic regulatory mechanisms.

Yeast Assay Highlights the Intrinsic Genomic Instability of Human PML Intron 6 over Intron 3 and the Role of Replication Fork Proteins

Human acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by a specific balanced translocation t(15;17)(q22;q21) involving the PML and RARA genes. In both de novo and therapy-related APL, the most frequent PML breakpoints are located within intron 6, and less frequently in intron 3; the precise mechanisms by which these breakpoints arise and preferentially in PML intron 6 remain unsolved. To investigate the intrinsic properties of the PML intron sequences in vivo, we designed Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains containing human PML intron 6 or intron 3 sequences inserted in yeast chromosome V and measured gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCR). This approach provided evidence that intron 6 had a superior instability over intron 3 due to an intrinsic property of the sequence and identified the 3’ end of intron 6 as the most susceptible to break. Using yeast strains invalidated for genes that control DNA replication, we show that this differential instability depended at least upon Rrm3, a DNA helicase, and Mrc1, the human claspin homolog. GCR induction by hydrogen peroxide, a general genotoxic agent, was also dependent on genetic context. We conclude that: 1) this yeast system provides an alternative approach to study in detail the properties of human sequences in a genetically controlled situation and 2) the different susceptibility to produce DNA breaks in intron 6 versus intron 3 of the human PML gene is likely due to an intrinsic property of the sequence and is under replication fork genetic control.

Regulation of translesion DNA synthesis: Posttranslational modification of lysine residues in key proteins

Posttranslational modification of proteins often controls various aspects of their cellular function. Indeed, over the past decade or so, it has been discovered that posttranslational modification of lysine residues plays a major role in regulating translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) and perhaps the most appreciated lysine modification is that of ubiquitination. Much of the recent interest in ubiquitination stems from the fact that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was previously shown to be specifically ubiquitinated at K164 and that such ubiquitination plays a key role in regulating TLS. In addition, TLS polymerases themselves are now known to be ubiquitinated. In the case of human polymerase η, ubiquitination at four lysine residues in its C-terminus appears to regulate its ability to interact with PCNA and modulate TLS. Within the past few years, advances in global proteomic research have revealed that many proteins involved in TLS are, in fact, subject to a previously underappreciated number of lysine modifications. In this review, we will summarize the known lysine modifications of several key proteins involved in TLS; PCNA and Y-family polymerases η, ι, κ and Rev1 and we will discuss the potential regulatory effects of such modification in controlling TLS in vivo.

Artificial Recruitment of UAF1-USP Complexes by a PHLPP1-E1 Chimeric Helicase Enhances Human Papillomavirus DNA Replication

The E1 helicase from anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) types interacts with the cellular WD repeat-containing protein UAF1 in complex with the deubiquitinating enzyme USP1, USP12, or USP46. This interaction stimulates viral DNA replication and is required for maintenance of the viral episome in keratinocytes. E1 associates with UAF1 through a short UAF1-binding site (UBS) located within the N-terminal 40 residues of the protein. Here, we investigated if the E1 UBS could be replaced by the analogous domain from an unrelated protein, the pleckstrin homology domain and leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1). We found that PHLPP1 and E1 interact with UAF1 in a mutually exclusive manner and mapped the minimal PHLPP1 UBS (PUBS) to a 100-amino-acid region sufficient for assembly into UAF1-USP complexes. Similarly to the E1 UBS, overexpression of PUBS in trans inhibited HPV DNA replication, albeit less efficiently. Characterization of a PHLPP1-E1 chimeric helicase revealed that PUBS could partially substitute for the E1 UBS in enhancing viral DNA replication and that the stimulatory effect of PUBS likely involves recruitment of UAF1-USP complexes, as it was abolished by mutations that weaken UAF1-binding and by overexpression of catalytically inactive USPs. Although functionally similar to the E1 UBS, PUBS is larger in size and requires both the WD repeat region and C-terminal ubiquitin-like domain of UAF1 for interaction, in contrast to E1, which does not contact the latter. Overall, this comparison of two heterologous UBSs indicates that these domains function as transferable protein interaction modules and provide further evidence that the association of E1 with UAF1-containing deubiquitinating complexes stimulates HPV DNA replication.

IMPORTANCE

The E1 protein from anogenital HPV types interacts with the UAF1-associated deubiquitinating enzymes USP1, USP12, and USP46 to stimulate replication of the viral genome. Little is known about the molecular nature of the E1-UAF1 interaction and, more generally, how UAF1-USP complexes recognize their substrate proteins. To address this question, we characterized the UAF1-binding site (UBS) of PHLPP1, a protein unrelated to E1. Using a PHLPP1-E1 chimeric helicase, we show that the PHLPP1 UBS (PUBS) can partially substitute for the E1 UBS in stimulating HPV DNA replication. This stimulation required conserved sequences in PUBS that meditate its interaction with UAF1, including a motif common to the E1 UBS. These results indicate that UAF1-binding sequences function as transferable protein interaction modules and provide further evidence that UAF1-USP complexes stimulate HPV DNA replication.

Relevance of simultaneous mono-ubiquitinations of multiple units of PCNA homo-trimers in DNA damage tolerance

DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathways, including translesion synthesis (TLS) and additional unknown mechanisms, enable recovery from replication arrest at DNA lesions. DDT pathways are regulated by post-translational modifications of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) at its K164 residue. In particular, mono-ubiquitination by the ubiquitin ligase RAD18 is crucial for Polη-mediated TLS. Although the importance of modifications of PCNA to DDT pathways is well known, the relevance of its homo-trimer form, in which three K164 residues are present in a single ring, remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that multiple units of a PCNA homo-trimer are simultaneously mono-ubiquitinated in vitro and in vivo. RAD18 catalyzed sequential mono-ubiquitinations of multiple units of a PCNA homo-trimer in a reconstituted system. Exogenous PCNA formed hetero-trimers with endogenous PCNA in WI38VA13 cell transformants. When K164R-mutated PCNA was expressed in these cells at levels that depleted endogenous PCNA homo-trimers, multiple modifications of PCNA complexes were reduced and the cells showed defects in DDT after UV irradiation. Notably, ectopic expression of mutant PCNA increased the UV sensitivities of Polη-proficient, Polη-deficient, and REV1-depleted cells, suggesting the disruption of a DDT pathway distinct from the Polη- and REV1-mediated pathways. These results suggest that simultaneous modifications of multiple units of a PCNA homo-trimer are required for a certain DDT pathway in human cells.

Structure-function analysis of USP1: insights into the role of Ser313 phosphorylation site and the effect of cancer-associated mutations on autocleavage

BACKGROUND

In complex with its cofactor UAF1, the USP1 deubiquitinase plays an important role in cellular processes related to cancer, including the response to DNA damage. The USP1/UAF1 complex is emerging as a novel target in cancer therapy, but several aspects of its function and regulation remain to be further clarified. These include the role of the serine 313 phosphorylation site, the relative contribution of different USP1 sequence motifs to UAF1 binding, and the potential effect of cancer-associated mutations on USP1 regulation by autocleavage.

METHODS

We have generated a large set of USP1 structural variants, including a catalytically inactive form (C90S), non-phosphorylatable (S313A) and phosphomimetic (S313D) mutants, deletion mutants lacking potential UAF1 binding sites, a mutant (GG/AA) unable to undergo autocleavage at the well-characterized G670/G671 diglycine motif, and four USP1 mutants identified in tumor samples that cluster around this cleavage site (G667A, L669P, K673T and A676T). Using cell-based assays, we have determined the ability of these mutants to bind UAF1, to reverse DNA damage-induced monoubiquitination of PCNA, and to undergo autocleavage.

RESULTS

A non-phosphorylatable S313A mutant of USP1 retained the ability to bind UAF1 and to reverse PCNA ubiquitination in cell-based assays. Regardless of the presence of a phosphomimetic S313D mutation, deletion of USP1 fragment 420-520 disrupted UAF1 binding, as determined using a nuclear relocation assay. The UAF1 binding site in a second UAF1-interacting DUB, USP46, was mapped to a region homologous to USP1(420-520). Regarding USP1 autocleavage, co-expression of the C90S and GG/AA mutants did not result in cleavage, while the cancer-associated mutation L669P was found to reduce cleavage efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

USP1 phosphorylation at S313 is not critical for PCNA deubiquitination, neither for binding to UAF1 in a cellular environment. In this context, USP1 amino acid motif 420-520 is necessary and sufficient for UAF1 binding. This motif, and a homologous amino acid segment that mediates USP46 binding to UAF1, map to the Fingers sub-domain of these DUBs. On the other hand, our results support the view that USP1 autocleavage may occur in cis, and can be altered by a cancer-associated mutation.

Identification of six new susceptibility loci for invasive epithelial ovarian cancer

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 12 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) susceptibility alleles. The pattern of association at these loci is consistent in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers who are at high risk of EOC. After imputation to 1000 Genomes Project data, we assessed associations of 11 million genetic variants with EOC risk from 15,437 cases unselected for family history and 30,845 controls and from 15,252 BRCA1 mutation carriers and 8,211 BRCA2 mutation carriers (3,096 with ovarian cancer), and we combined the results in a meta-analysis. This new study design yielded increased statistical power, leading to the discovery of six new EOC susceptibility loci. Variants at 1p36 (nearest gene, WNT4), 4q26 (SYNPO2), 9q34.2 (ABO) and 17q11.2 (ATAD5) were associated with EOC risk, and at 1p34.3 (RSPO1) and 6p22.1 (GPX6) variants were specifically associated with the serous EOC subtype, all with P < 5 × 10(-8). Incorporating these variants into risk assessment tools will improve clinical risk predictions for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Elg1, a central player in genome stability

ELG1 is a conserved gene uncovered in a number of genetic screens in yeast aimed at identifying factors important in the maintenance of genome stability. Elg1's activity prevents gross chromosomal rearrangements, maintains proper telomere length regulation, helps repairing DNA damage created by a number of genotoxins and participates in sister chromatid cohesion. Elg1 is evolutionarily conserved, and its mammalian ortholog (also known as ATAD5) is embryonic lethal when lost in mice, acts as a tumor suppressor in mice and humans, exhibits physical interactions with components of the human Fanconi Anemia pathway and may be responsible for some of the phenotypes associated with neurofibromatosis. In this review, we summarize the information available on Elg1-related activities in yeast and mammals, and present models to explain how the different phenotypes observed in the absence of Elg1 activity are related.

More division of labor at the eukaryotic replication fork

Our understanding of the dynamics of replication fork-associated protein strand specificity is based largely on genetic or in vitro approaches. Yu et al. (2014) present eSPAN, a ChIP approach that reveals differences between protein abundance on nascent leading and lagging strands.

ATAD5 deficiency decreases B cell division and Igh recombination

Mammalian ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 5 (ATAD5) and its yeast homolog enhanced level of genomic instability 1 are responsible for unloading proliferating cell nuclear antigen from newly synthesized DNA. Prior work in HeLa and yeast cells showed that a decrease in ATAD5 protein levels resulted in accumulation of chromatin-bound proliferating cell nuclear antigen, slowed cell division, and increased genomic instability. In this study, B cells from heterozygous (Atad5(+/m)) mice were used to examine the effects of decreased cell proliferation on Ab diversity. ATAD5 haploinsufficiency did not change the frequency or spectrum of somatic hypermutation in Ab genes, indicating that DNA repair and error-prone DNA polymerase η usage were unaffected. However, immunized Atad5(+/m) mice had decreased serum IgG1 Abs, demonstrating a functional effect on class switch recombination. The mechanism of this altered immune response was then examined following ex vivo stimulation of splenic B cells, where Atad5(+/m) cells accumulated in the S phase of the cell cycle and had reduced proliferation compared with wild-type cells. These haploinsufficient cells underwent a significant decline in activation-induced deaminase expression, resulting in decreased switch region DNA double-strand breaks and interchromosomal translocations in the Igh locus. Class switch recombination to several isotypes was also reduced in Atad5(+/m) cells, although the types of end-joining pathways were not affected. These results describe a defect in DNA replication that affects Igh recombination via reduced cell division.

Homologous recombination maintenance of genome integrity during DNA damage tolerance

The DNA strand exchange protein Rad51 provides a safe mechanism for the repair of DNA breaks using the information of a homologous DNA template. Homologous recombination (HR) also plays a key role in the response to DNA damage that impairs the advance of the replication forks by providing mechanisms to circumvent the lesion and fill in the tracks of single-stranded DNA that are generated during the process of lesion bypass. These activities postpone repair of the blocking lesion to ensure that DNA replication is completed in a timely manner. Experimental evidence generated over the last few years indicates that HR participates in this DNA damage tolerance response together with additional error-free (template switch) and error-prone (translesion synthesis) mechanisms through intricate connections, which are presented here. The choice between repair and tolerance, and the mechanism of tolerance, is critical to avoid increased mutagenesis and/or genome rearrangements, which are both hallmarks of cancer.

SIVA1 directs the E3 ubiquitin ligase RAD18 for PCNA monoubiquitination

Translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) is a universal DNA damage tolerance mechanism conserved from yeast to mammals. A key event in the regulation of TLS is the monoubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Extensive evidence indicates that the RAD6-RAD18 ubiquitin-conjugating/ligase complex specifically monoubiquitinates PCNA and regulates TLS repair. However, the mechanism by which the RAD6-RAD18 complex is targeted to PCNA has remained elusive. In this study, we used an affinity purification approach to isolate the PCNA-containing complex and have identified SIVA1 as a critical regulator of PCNA monoubiquitination. We show that SIVA1 constitutively interacts with PCNA via a highly conserved PCNA-interacting peptide motif. Knockdown of SIVA1 compromised RAD18-dependent PCNA monoubiquitination and Polη focus formation, leading to elevated ultraviolet sensitivity and mutation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SIVA1 interacts with RAD18 and serves as a molecular bridge between RAD18 and PCNA, thus targeting the E3 ligase activity of RAD18 onto PCNA. Collectively, our results provide evidence that the RAD18 E3 ligase requires an accessory protein for binding to its substrate PCNA.

The WD40-repeat protein-containing deubiquitinase complex: catalysis, regulation, and potential for therapeutic intervention

Ubiquitination has emerged as an essential signaling mechanism in eukaryotes. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) counteract the activities of the ubiquitination machinery and provide another level of control in cellular ubiquitination. Not surprisingly, DUBs are subjected to stringent regulations. Besides regulation by the noncatalytic domains present in the DUB sequences, DUB-interacting proteins are increasingly realized as essential regulators for DUB activity and function. This review focuses on DUBs that are associated with WD40-repeat proteins. Many human ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) were found to interact with WD40-repeat proteins, but little is known as to how this interaction regulates the activity and function of USPs. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding a prototypical WD40-repeat protein-containing DUB complex that comprises USP1 and USP1-associated factor 1 (UAF1). It has been shown that UAF1 activates USP1 through a potential active-site modulation, and the complex formation between USP1 and UAF1 is regulated by serine phosphorylation. Recently, human USPs have been recognized as a promising target class for inhibitor discovery. Small molecule inhibitors targeting several human USPs have been reported. USP1 is involved in two major DNA damage response pathways, DNA translesion synthesis and the Fanconi anemia pathway. Inhibiting the USP1/UAF1 deubiquitinase complex represents a new strategy to potentiate cancer cells to DNA-crosslinking agents and to overcome resistance that has plagued clinical cancer chemotherapy. The progress in inhibitor discovery against USPs and the WD40-repeat protein-containing USP complex will be discussed.

A selective USP1-UAF1 inhibitor links deubiquitination to DNA damage responses

Protein ubiquitination and deubiquitination are central to the control of a large number of cellular pathways and signaling networks in eukaryotes. Although the essential roles of ubiquitination have been established in the eukaryotic DNA damage response, the deubiquitination process remains poorly defined. Chemical probes that perturb the activity of deubiquitinases (DUBs) are needed to characterize the cellular function of deubiquitination. Here we report ML323 (2), a highly potent inhibitor of the USP1-UAF1 deubiquitinase complex with excellent selectivity against human DUBs, deSUMOylase, deneddylase and unrelated proteases. Using ML323, we interrogated deubiquitination in the cellular response to UV- and cisplatin-induced DNA damage and revealed new insights into the requirement of deubiquitination in the DNA translesion synthesis and Fanconi anemia pathways. Moreover, ML323 potentiates cisplatin cytotoxicity in non-small cell lung cancer and osteosarcoma cells. Our findings point to USP1-UAF1 as a key regulator of the DNA damage response and a target for overcoming resistance to the platinum-based anticancer drugs.

DNA bending facilitates the error-free DNA damage tolerance pathway and upholds genome integrity

DNA replication is sensitive to damage in the template. To bypass lesions and complete replication, cells activate recombination-mediated (error-free) and translesion synthesis-mediated (error-prone) DNA damage tolerance pathways. Crucial for error-free DNA damage tolerance is template switching, which depends on the formation and resolution of damage-bypass intermediates consisting of sister chromatid junctions. Here we show that a chromatin architectural pathway involving the high mobility group box protein Hmo1 channels replication-associated lesions into the error-free DNA damage tolerance pathway mediated by Rad5 and PCNA polyubiquitylation, while preventing mutagenic bypass and toxic recombination. In the process of template switching, Hmo1 also promotes sister chromatid junction formation predominantly during replication. Its C-terminal tail, implicated in chromatin bending, facilitates the formation of catenations/hemicatenations and mediates the roles of Hmo1 in DNA damage tolerance pathway choice and sister chromatid junction formation. Together, the results suggest that replication-associated topological changes involving the molecular DNA bender, Hmo1, set the stage for dedicated repair reactions that limit errors during replication and impact on genome stability.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors selectively target homology dependent DNA repair defective cells and elevate non-homologous endjoining activity

Background

We have previously used the ATAD5-luciferase high-throughput screening assay to identify genotoxic compounds with potential chemotherapeutic capabilities. The successful identification of known genotoxic agents, including the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA), confirmed the specificity of the screen since TSA has been widely studied for its ability to cause apoptosis in cancer cells. Because many cancers have acquired mutations in DNA damage checkpoints or repair pathways, we hypothesized that these cancers may be susceptible to treatments that target compensatory pathways. Here, we used a panel of isogenic chicken DT40 B lymphocyte mutant and human cell lines to investigate the ability of TSA to define selective pathways that promote HDACi toxicity.

Results

HDACi induced a DNA damage response and reduced viability in all repair deficient DT40 mutants although ATM-nulls were least affected. The most dramatic sensitivity was observed in mutants lacking the homology dependent repair (HDR) factor BLM or the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and HDR factors, KU/RAD54, suggesting an involvement of either HDR or NHEJ in HDACi-induced cell death. To extend these findings, we measured the frequencies of HDR and NHEJ after HDACi treatment and monitored viability in human cell lines comparably deficient in HDR or NHEJ. Although no difference in HDR frequency was observed between HDACi treated and untreated cells, HDR-defective human cell lines were clearly more sensitive than wild type. Unexpectedly, cells treated with HDACis showed a significantly elevated NHEJ frequency.

Conclusions

HDACi targeting drugs induced significant increases in NHEJ activity in human cell lines but did not alter HDR frequency. Moreover, HDR is required for cellular resistance to HDACi therapy; therefore, NHEJ does not appear to be a critical axis for HDACi resistance. Rather, HDACi compounds induced DNA damage, most likely double strand breaks (DSBs), and HDR proficiency is correlated with cell survival.

Genome-wide profiling of genetic synthetic lethality identifies CDK12 as a novel determinant of PARP1/2 inhibitor sensitivity

Small-molecule inhibitors of PARP1/2, such as olaparib, have been proposed to serve as a synthetic lethal therapy for cancers that harbor BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Indeed, in clinical trials, PARP1/2 inhibitors elicit sustained antitumor responses in patients with germline BRCA gene mutations. In hypothesizing that additional genetic determinants might direct use of these drugs, we conducted a genome-wide synthetic lethal screen for candidate olaparib sensitivity genes. In support of this hypothesis, the set of identified genes included known determinants of olaparib sensitivity, such as BRCA1, RAD51, and Fanconi's anemia susceptibility genes. In addition, the set included genes implicated in established networks of DNA repair, DNA cohesion, and chromatin remodeling, none of which were known previously to confer sensitivity to PARP1/2 inhibition. Notably, integration of the list of candidate sensitivity genes with data from tumor DNA sequencing studies identified CDK12 deficiency as a clinically relevant biomarker of PARP1/2 inhibitor sensitivity. In models of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS-OVCa), CDK12 attenuation was sufficient to confer sensitivity to PARP1/2 inhibition, suppression of DNA repair via homologous recombination, and reduced expression of BRCA1. As one of only nine genes known to be significantly mutated in HGS-OVCa, CDK12 has properties that should confirm interest in its use as a biomarker, particularly in ongoing clinical trials of PARP1/2 inhibitors and other agents that trigger replication fork arrest.

WD repeat protein WDR48 in complex with deubiquitinase USP12 suppresses Akt-dependent cell survival signaling by stabilizing PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1)

PHLPP1 (PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 1) is a protein-serine/threonine phosphatase and a negative regulator of the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway. Although its function as a suppressor of tumor cell growth has been established, the mechanism of its regulation is not completely understood. In this study, by utilizing the tandem affinity purification approach we have identified WDR48 and USP12 as novel PHLPP1-associated proteins. The WDR48·USP12 complex deubiquitinates PHLPP1 and thereby enhances its protein stability. Similar to PHLPP1 function, WDR48 and USP12 negatively regulate Akt activation and thus promote cellular apoptosis. Functionally, we show that WDR48 and USP12 suppress proliferation of tumor cells. Importantly, we found a WDR48 somatic mutation (L580F) that is defective in stabilizing PHLPP1 in colorectal cancers, supporting a WDR48 role in tumor suppression. Together, our results reveal WDR48 and USP12 as novel PHLPP1 regulators and potential suppressors of tumor cell survival.

Deubiquitylases from genes to organism

Ubiquitylation is a major posttranslational modification that controls most complex aspects of cell physiology. It is reversed through the action of a large family of deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) that are emerging as attractive therapeutic targets for a number of disease conditions. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the complement of human DUBs, indicating structural motifs, typical cellular copy numbers, and tissue expression profiles. We discuss the means by which specificity is achieved and how DUB activity may be regulated. Generically DUB catalytic activity may be used to 1) maintain free ubiquitin levels, 2) rescue proteins from ubiquitin-mediated degradation, and 3) control the dynamics of ubiquitin-mediated signaling events. Functional roles of individual DUBs from each of five subfamilies in specific cellular processes are highlighted with an emphasis on those linked to pathological conditions where the association is supported by whole organism models. We then specifically consider the role of DUBs associated with protein degradative machineries and the influence of specific DUBs upon expression of receptors and channels at the plasma membrane.

Alternative replication factor C protein, Elg1, maintains chromosome stability by regulating PCNA levels on chromatin

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is loaded on chromatin upon initiation of the S phase and acts as a platform for a large number of proteins involved in chromosome duplication at the replication fork. As duplication is completed, PCNA dissociates from chromatin, and thus, chromatin-bound PCNA levels are regulated during the cell cycle. Although the mechanism of PCNA loading has been extensively investigated, the unloading mechanism has remained unclear. Here, we show that Elg1, an alternative replication factor C protein, is required for the regulation of chromatin-bound PCNA levels. When Elg1 was depleted by small interfering RNA, chromatin-bound PCNA levels were extremely increased during the S phase. The number of PCNA foci, regions in the nucleus normally representing DNA replication sites, was increased and PCNA remained on chromatin after DNA replication. Various chromatin-associated protein levels on chromatin were affected, and chromatin loop size was increased. During mitosis, cells with aberrant chromosomes and lagging chromosomes were frequently detected. Our findings suggest that Elg1 has an important role in maintaining chromosome integrity by regulating PCNA levels on chromatin, thereby acting as a PCNA unloading factor.

USP1 deubiquitinase: cellular functions, regulatory mechanisms and emerging potential as target in cancer therapy

Reversible protein ubiquitination is emerging as a key process for maintaining cell homeostasis, and the enzymes that participate in this process, in particular E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), are increasingly being regarded as candidates for drug discovery. Human DUBs are a group of approximately 100 proteins, whose cellular functions and regulatory mechanisms remain, with some exceptions, poorly characterized. One of the best-characterized human DUBs is ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1), which plays an important role in the cellular response to DNA damage. USP1 levels, localization and activity are modulated through several mechanisms, including protein-protein interactions, autocleavage/degradation and phosphorylation, ensuring that USP1 function is carried out in a properly regulated spatio-temporal manner. Importantly, USP1 expression is deregulated in certain types of human cancer, suggesting that USP1 could represent a valid target in cancer therapy. This view has gained recent support with the finding that USP1 inhibition may contribute to revert cisplatin resistance in an in vitro model of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we describe the current knowledge on the cellular functions and regulatory mechanisms of USP1. We also summarize USP1 alterations found in cancer, combining data from the literature and public databases with our own data. Finally, we discuss the emerging potential of USP1 as a target, integrating published data with our novel findings on the effects of the USP1 inhibitor pimozide in combination with cisplatin in NSCLC cells.

Is PCNA unloading the central function of the Elg1/ATAD5 replication factor C-like complex?

Maintaining genome stability is crucial for all cells. The budding yeast Elg1 protein, the major subunit of a replication factor C-like complex, is important for genome stability, since cells lacking Elg1 exhibit increased recombination and chromosomal rearrangements. This genome maintenance function of Elg1 seems to be conserved in higher eukaryotes, since removal of the human Elg1 homolog, encoded by the ATAD5 gene, also causes genome instability leading to tumorigenesis. The fundamental molecular function of the Elg1/ATAD5-replication factor C-like complex (RLC) was, until recently, elusive, although Elg1/ATAD5-RLC was known to interact with the replication sliding clamp PCNA. Two papers have now reported that following DNA replication, the Elg1/ATAD5-RLC is required to remove PCNA from chromatin in yeast and human cells. In this Review, we summarize the evidence that Elg1/ATAD5-RLC acts as a PCNA unloader and discuss the still enigmatic relationship between the function of Elg1/ATAD5-RLC in PCNA unloading and the role of Elg1/ATAD5 in maintaining genomic stability.

New insights into replication clamp unloading

The sliding clamp protein proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is situated at the core of the eukaryotic replisome, where it acts as an interaction scaffold for numerous replication and repair factors and coordinates DNA transactions ranging from Okazaki fragment maturation to chromatin assembly and mismatch repair. PCNA is loaded onto DNA by a dedicated complex, the replication factor C, whose mechanism has been studied in detail. Until recently, however, it was unclear how PCNA is removed from DNA upon completion of DNA synthesis. Two complementary studies now present data strongly implicating the replication factor C-like complex, Elg1/ATAD5-RLC, in the unloading of PCNA during replication in yeast and human cells. They indicate that an appropriate control over PCNA's residence on the chromatin is important for maintaining genome stability. At the same time, they suggest that the interaction of Elg1/ATAD5 with SUMO, which was also reported to contribute to its role in genome maintenance, affects aspects of its function distinct from its unloading activity.

Genetic and physical interactions between the yeast ELG1 gene and orthologs of the Fanconi anemia pathway

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a human syndrome characterized by genomic instability and increased incidence of cancer. FA is a genetically heterogeneous disease caused by mutations in at least 15 different genes; several of these genes are conserved in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Elg1 is also a conserved protein that forms an RFC-like complex, which interacts with SUMOylated PCNA. The mammalian Elg1 protein has been recently found to interact with the FA complex. Here we analyze the genetic interactions between elg1Δand mutants of the yeast FA-like pathway. We show that Elg1 physically contacts the Mhf1/Mhf2 histone-like complex and genetically interacts with MPH1 (ortholog of the FANCM helicase) and CHL1 (ortholog of the FANCJ helicase) genes. We analyze the sensitivity of double, triple, quadruple and quintuple mutants to methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) and to hydroxyurea (HU). Our results show that genetic interactions depend on the type of DNA damaging agent used and show a hierarchy: Chl1 and Elg1 play major roles in the survival to these genotoxins and exhibit synthetic fitness reduction. Mph1 plays a lesser role, and the effect of the Mhf1/2 complex is seen only in the absence of Elg1 on HU-containing medium. Finally, we dissect the relationship between yeast FA-like mutants and the replication clamp, PCNA. Our results point to an intricate network of interactions rather than a single, linear repair pathway.

Regulation of PCNA-protein interactions for genome stability

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has a central role in promoting faithful DNA replication, providing a molecular platform that facilitates the myriad protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions that occur at the replication fork. Numerous PCNA-associated proteins compete for binding to a common surface on PCNA; hence these interactions need to be tightly regulated and coordinated to ensure proper chromosome replication and integrity. Control of PCNA-protein interactions is multilayered and involves post-translational modifications, in particular ubiquitylation, accessory factors and regulated degradation of PCNA-associated proteins. This regulatory framework allows cells to maintain a fine-tuned balance between replication fidelity and processivity in response to DNA damage.

Readers of PCNA modifications

The eukaryotic sliding clamp, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), acts as a central coordinator of DNA transactions by providing a multivalent interaction surface for factors involved in DNA replication, repair, chromatin dynamics and cell cycle regulation. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as mono- and polyubiquitylation, sumoylation, phosphorylation and acetylation, further expand the repertoire of PCNA’s binding partners. These modifications affect PCNA’s activity in the bypass of lesions during DNA replication, the regulation of alternative damage processing pathways such as homologous recombination and DNA interstrand cross-link repair, or impact on the stability of PCNA itself. In this review, we summarise our current knowledge about how the PTMs are “read” by downstream effector proteins that mediate the appropriate action. Given the variety of interaction partners responding to PCNA’s modified forms, the ensemble of PCNA modifications serves as an instructive model for the study of biological signalling through PTMs in general.

Cellular functions of the DUBs

Ubiquitylation is a reversible post-translational modification that has emerged as a key regulator of most complex cellular processes. It may rival phosphorylation in scope and exceed it in complexity. The dynamic nature of ubiquitylation events is important for governing protein stability, maintaining ubiquitin homeostasis and controlling ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways. The human genome encodes ~80 active deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs, also referred to as deubiquitinases), which exhibit distinct specificity profiles towards the various ubiquitin chain topologies. As a result of their ability to reverse ubiquitylation, these enzymes control a broad range of key cellular processes. In this Commentary we discuss the cellular functions of DUBs, such as their role in governing membrane traffic and protein quality control. We highlight two key signalling pathways--the Wnt and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways, for which dynamic ubiquitylation has emerged as a key regulator. We also discuss the roles of DUBs in the nucleus, where they govern transcriptional activity and DNA repair pathways.

A proteomic characterization of factors enriched at nascent DNA molecules

DNA replication is facilitated by multiple factors that concentrate in the vicinity of replication forks. Here, we developed an approach that combines the isolation of proteins on nascent DNA chains with mass spectrometry (iPOND-MS), allowing a comprehensive proteomic characterization of the human replisome and replisome-associated factors. In addition to known replisome components, we provide a broad list of proteins that reside in the vicinity of the replisome, some of which were not previously associated with replication. For instance, our data support a link between DNA replication and the Williams-Beuren syndrome and identify ZNF24 as a replication factor. In addition, we reveal that SUMOylation is widespread for factors that concentrate near replisomes, which contrasts with lower UQylation levels at these sites. This resource provides a panoramic view of the proteins that concentrate in the surroundings of the replisome, which should facilitate future investigations on DNA replication and genome maintenance.

The Elg1 replication factor C-like complex functions in PCNA unloading during DNA replication

The ring-shaped complex PCNA coordinates DNA replication, encircling DNA to act as a polymerase clamp and a sliding platform to recruit other replication proteins. PCNA is loaded onto DNA by replication factor C, but it has been unknown how PCNA is removed from DNA when Okazaki fragments are completed or the replication fork terminates. Here we show that the Elg1 replication factor C-like complex (Elg1-RLC) functions in PCNA unloading. Using an improved degron system we show that without Elg1, PCNA accumulates on Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromatin during replication. The accumulated PCNA can be removed from chromatin in vivo by switching on Elg1 expression. We find moreover that treating chromatin with purified Elg1-RLC causes PCNA unloading in vitro. Our results demonstrate that Elg1-RLC functions in unloading of both unmodified and SUMOylated PCNA during DNA replication, while the genome instability of an elg1Δ mutant suggests timely PCNA unloading is critical for chromosome maintenance.

ATAD5 regulates the lifespan of DNA replication factories by modulating PCNA level on the chromatin

Reduction of ATAD5 extends the lifespan of replication factories by retaining PCNA and other replisome proteins on chromatin, leading to an increase in inactive replication factories and reduced overall replication rate.

Temporal and spatial regulation of the replication factory is important for efficient DNA replication. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we report that ATAD5 regulates the lifespan of replication factories. Reduced expression of ATAD5 extended the lifespan of replication factories by retaining proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and other replisome proteins on the chromatin during and even after DNA synthesis. This led to an increase of inactive replication factories with an accumulation of replisome proteins. Consequently, the overall replication rate was decreased, which resulted in the delay of S-phase progression. Prevalent detection of PCNA foci in G2 phase cells after ATAD5 depletion suggests that defects in the disassembly of replication factories persist after S phase is complete. ATAD5-mediated regulation of the replication factory and PCNA required an intact ATAD5 ATPase domain. Taken together, our data imply that ATAD5 regulates the cycle of DNA replication factories, probably through its PCNA-unloading activity.

The roles of DNA polymerase ζ and the Y family DNA polymerases in promoting or preventing genome instability

Cancer cells display numerous abnormal characteristics which are initiated and maintained by elevated mutation rates and genome instability. Chromosomal DNA is continuously surveyed for the presence of damage or blocked replication forks by the DNA Damage Response (DDR) network. The DDR is complex and includes activation of cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair, gene transcription, and induction of apoptosis. Duplicating a damaged genome is associated with elevated risks to fork collapse and genome instability. Therefore, the DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathway is also employed to enhance survival and involves the recruitment of translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) polymerases to sites of replication fork blockade or single stranded DNA gaps left after the completion of replication in order to restore DNA to its double stranded form before mitosis. TLS polymerases are specialized for inserting nucleotides opposite DNA adducts, abasic sites, or DNA crosslinks. By definition, the DDT pathway is not involved in the actual repair of damaged DNA, but provides a mechanism to tolerate DNA lesions during replication thereby increasing survival and lessening the chance for genome instability. However this may be associated with increased mutagenesis. In this review, we will describe the specialized functions of Y family polymerases (Rev1, Polη, Polι and Polκ) and DNA polymerase ζ in lesion bypass, mutagenesis, and prevention of genome instability, the latter due to newly appreciated roles in DNA repair. The recently described role of the Fanconi anemia pathway in regulating Rev1 and Polζ-dependent TLS is also discussed in terms of their involvement in TLS, interstrand crosslink repair, and homologous recombination.

Characterization of human Spartan/C1orf124, an ubiquitin-PCNA interacting regulator of DNA damage tolerance

Unrepaired DNA damage may arrest ongoing replication forks, potentially resulting in fork collapse, increased mutagenesis and genomic instability. Replication through DNA lesions depends on mono- and polyubiquitylation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which enable translesion synthesis (TLS) and template switching, respectively. A proper replication fork rescue is ensured by the dynamic ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation of PCNA; however, as yet, little is known about its regulation. Here, we show that human Spartan/C1orf124 protein provides a higher cellular level of ubiquitylated-PCNA by which it regulates the choice of DNA damage tolerance pathways. We find that Spartan is recruited to sites of replication stress, a process that depends on its PCNA- and ubiquitin-interacting domains and the RAD18 PCNA ubiquitin ligase. Preferential association of Spartan with ubiquitin-modified PCNA protects against PCNA deubiquitylation by ubiquitin-specific protease 1 and facilitates the access of a TLS polymerase to the replication fork. In concert, depletion of Spartan leads to increased sensitivity to DNA damaging agents and causes elevated levels of sister chromatid exchanges. We propose that Spartan promotes genomic stability by regulating the choice of rescue of stalled replication fork, whose mechanism includes its interaction with ubiquitin-conjugated PCNA and protection against PCNA deubiquitylation.

Regulation of DNA cross-link repair by the Fanconi anemia/BRCA pathway

The maintenance of genome stability is critical for survival, and its failure is often associated with tumorigenesis. The Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway is essential for the repair of DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs), and a germline defect in the pathway results in FA, a cancer predisposition syndrome driven by genome instability. Central to this pathway is the monoubiquitination of FANCD2, which coordinates multiple DNA repair activities required for the resolution of ICLs. Recent studies have demonstrated how the FA pathway coordinates three critical DNA repair processes, including nucleolytic incision, translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), and homologous recombination (HR). Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the downstream ICL repair steps initiated by ubiquitin-mediated FA pathway activation.

Selective inhibition of CD4+ T-cell cytokine production and autoimmunity by BET protein and c-Myc inhibitors

Bromodomain-containing proteins bind acetylated lysine residues on histone tails and are involved in the recruitment of additional factors that mediate histone modifications and enable transcription. A compound, I-BET-762, that inhibits binding of an acetylated histone peptide to proteins of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family, was previously shown to suppress the production of proinflammatory proteins by macrophages and block acute inflammation in mice. Here, we investigated the effect of short-term treatment with I-BET-762 on T-cell function. Treatment of naïve CD4(+) T cells with I-BET-762 during the first 2 d of differentiation had long-lasting effects on subsequent gene expression and cytokine production. Gene expression analysis revealed up-regulated expression of several antiinflammatory gene products, including IL-10, Lag3, and Egr2, and down-regulated expression of several proinflammatory cytokines including GM-CSF and IL-17. The short 2-d treatment with I-BET-762 inhibited the ability of antigen-specific T cells, differentiated under Th1 but not Th17 conditions in vitro, to induce pathogenesis in an adoptive transfer model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The suppressive effects of I-BET-762 on T-cell mediated inflammation in vivo were accompanied by decreased recruitment of macrophages, consistent with decreased GM-CSF production by CNS-infiltrating T cells. These effects were mimicked by an inhibitor of c-myc function, implicating reduced expression of c-myc and GM-CSF as one avenue by which I-BET-762 suppresses the inflammatory functions of T cells. Our study demonstrates that inhibiting the functions of BET-family proteins during early T-cell differentiation causes long-lasting suppression of the proinflammatory functions of Th1 cells.

High-throughput genotoxicity assay identifies antioxidants as inducers of DNA damage response and cell death

Human ATAD5 is a biomarker for identifying genotoxic compounds because ATAD5 protein levels increase posttranscriptionally in response to DNA damage. We screened over 4,000 compounds with a cell-based quantitative high-throughput ATAD5-luciferase assay detecting genotoxic compounds. We identified 22 antioxidants, including resveratrol, genistein, and baicalein, that are currently used or investigated for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and chronic hepatitis, as well as for antiaging. Treatment of dividing cells with these compounds induced DNA damage and resulted in cell death. Despite their genotoxic effects, resveratrol, genistein, and baicalein did not cause mutagenesis, which is a major side effect of conventional anticancer drugs. Furthermore, resveratrol and genistein killed multidrug-resistant cancer cells. We therefore propose that resveratrol, genistein, and baicalein are attractive candidates for improved chemotherapeutic agents.

The nucleosome binding protein HMGN1 interacts with PCNA and facilitates its binding to chromatin

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a ubiquitous protein that interacts with multiple partners and regulates nuclear activities, including chromatin assembly, histone modifications, replication, and DNA damage repair. The role of specific partners in regulating PCNA activities is not fully understood. Here we identify the nucleosome binding protein HMGN1 as a new PCNA-interacting protein that enhances the binding of PCNA to chromatin but not to purified DNA. Two tetrapeptides in the conservative domain of HMGN1 contain amino acids necessary for the binding of HMGN1 to PCNA. Deletion of both tetrapeptides abolishes the HMGN1-PCNA interaction. PCNA preferentially binds to the linker DNA adjacent to an HMGN-containing nucleosome. In living cells, loss of HMGN1 decreases the rate of PCNA recruitment to damaged DNA sites. Our study identifies a new factor that facilitates the interaction of PCNA with chromatin and provides insights into mechanisms whereby nucleosome binding architectural proteins affect the cellular phenotype.

K63-linked ubiquitination in kinase activation and cancer

Ubiquitination has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in multiple biological functions, which include cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage response, innate immune response, and neuronal degeneration. Although the role of ubiquitination in targeting proteins for proteasome-dependent degradation have been extensively studied and well-characterized, the critical non-proteolytic functions of ubiquitination, such as protein trafficking and kinase activation, involved in cell survival and cancer development, just start to emerge, In this review, we will summarize recent progresses in elucidating the non-proteolytic function of ubiquitination signaling in protein kinase activation and its implications in human cancers. The advancement in the understanding of the novel functions of ubiquitination in signal transduction pathways downstream of growth factor receptors may provide novel paradigms for the treatment of human cancers.

Endogenous DNA replication stress results in expansion of dNTP pools and a mutator phenotype

The integrity of the genome depends on diverse pathways that regulate DNA metabolism. Defects in these pathways result in genome instability, a hallmark of cancer. Deletion of ELG1 in budding yeast, when combined with hypomorphic alleles of PCNA results in spontaneous DNA damage during S phase that elicits upregulation of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) activity. Increased RNR activity leads to a dramatic expansion of deoxyribonucleotide (dNTP) pools in G1 that allows cells to synthesize significant fractions of the genome in the presence of hydroxyurea in the subsequent S phase. Consistent with the recognized correlation between dNTP levels and spontaneous mutation, compromising ELG1 and PCNA results in a significant increase in mutation rates. Deletion of distinct genome stability genes RAD54, RAD55, and TSA1 also results in increased dNTP levels and mutagenesis, suggesting that this is a general phenomenon. Together, our data point to a vicious circle in which mutations in gatekeeper genes give rise to genomic instability during S phase, inducing expansion of the dNTP pool, which in turn results in high levels of spontaneous mutagenesis.

Regulation of the Fanconi anemia pathway by a SUMO-like delivery network

The USP1/UAF1 complex deubiquitinates the Fanconi anemia protein FANCD2, thereby promoting homologous recombination and DNA cross-link repair. How USP1/UAF1 is targeted to the FANCD2/FANCI heterodimer has remained unknown. Here we show that UAF1 contains a tandem repeat of SUMO-like domains in its C terminus (SLD1 and SLD2). SLD2 binds directly to a SUMO-like domain-interacting motif (SIM) on FANCI. Deletion of the SLD2 sequence of UAF1 or mutation of the SIM on FANCI disrupts UAF1/FANCI binding and inhibits FANCD2 deubiquitination and DNA repair. The USP1/UAF1 complex also deubiquitinates PCNA-Ub, and deubiquitination requires the PCNA-binding protein hELG1. The SLD2 sequence of UAF1 binds to a SIM on hELG1, thus targeting the USP1/UAF1 complex to its PCNA-Ub substrate. We propose that the regulated targeting of USP1/UAF1 to its DNA repair substrates, FANCD2-Ub and PCNA-Ub, by SLD-SIM interactions coordinates homologous recombination and translesion DNA synthesis.

The genome maintenance factor Mgs1 is targeted to sites of replication stress by ubiquitylated PCNA

Mgs1, the budding yeast homolog of mammalian Werner helicase-interacting protein 1 (WRNIP1/WHIP), contributes to genome stability during undisturbed replication and in response to DNA damage. A ubiquitin-binding zinc finger (UBZ) domain directs human WRNIP1 to nuclear foci, but the functional significance of its presence and the relevant ubiquitylation targets that this domain recognizes have remained unknown. Here, we provide a mechanistic basis for the ubiquitin-binding properties of the protein. We show that in yeast an analogous domain exclusively mediates the damage-related activities of Mgs1. By means of preferential physical interactions with the ubiquitylated forms of the replicative sliding clamp, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the UBZ domain facilitates recruitment of Mgs1 to sites of replication stress. Mgs1 appears to interfere with the function of polymerase δ, consistent with our observation that Mgs1 inhibits the interaction between the polymerase and PCNA. Our identification of Mgs1 as a UBZ-dependent downstream effector of ubiquitylated PCNA suggests an explanation for the ambivalent role of the protein in damage processing.

Predisposition to cancer caused by genetic and functional defects of mammalian Atad5

ATAD5, the human ortholog of yeast Elg1, plays a role in PCNA deubiquitination. Since PCNA modification is important to regulate DNA damage bypass, ATAD5 may be important for suppression of genomic instability in mammals in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we generated heterozygous (Atad5^+/m) mice that were haploinsuffficient for Atad5. Atad5^+/m mice displayed high levels of genomic instability in vivo, and Atad5^+/m mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) exhibited molecular defects in PCNA deubiquitination in response to DNA damage, as well as DNA damage hypersensitivity and high levels of genomic instability, apoptosis, and aneuploidy. Importantly, 90% of haploinsufficient Atad5^+/m mice developed tumors, including sarcomas, carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas, between 11 and 20 months of age. High levels of genomic alterations were evident in tumors that arose in the Atad5^+/m mice. Consistent with a role for Atad5 in suppressing tumorigenesis, we also identified somatic mutations of ATAD5 in 4.6% of sporadic human endometrial tumors, including two nonsense mutations that resulted in loss of proper ATAD5 function. Taken together, our findings indicate that loss-of-function mutations in mammalian Atad5 are sufficient to cause genomic instability and tumorigenesis.

Genomic instability is a hallmark of tumorigenesis, suggesting that mutations in genes suppressing genomic instability contribute to this phenotype. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that haploinsufficiency for Atad5, a protein that is important in stabilizing stalled DNA replication forks by regulating PCNA ubiquitination during DNA damage bypass, predisposes >90% of mice to tumorigenesis in multiple organs. In heterozygous Atad5 mice, both somatic cells and the spontaneous tumors showed high levels of genomic instability. In a subset of sporadic human endometrial tumors, we identified heterozygous loss-of-function somatic mutations in the ATAD5 gene, consistent with the role of mouse Atad5 in suppressing tumorigenesis. Collectively, our findings suggest that ATAD5 may be a novel tumor suppressor gene.