Isolation and characterization of RAD51C, a new human member of the RAD51 family of related genes

Homologous-pairing activity of the human DNA-repair proteins Xrcc3.Rad51C

The human Xrcc3 protein is involved in the repair of damaged DNA through homologous recombination, in which homologous pairing is a key step. The Rad51 protein is believed to be the only protein factor that promotes homologous pairing in recombinational DNA repair in mitotic cells. In the brain, however, Rad51 expression is extremely low, whereas XRCC3, a human homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD57 that activates the Rad51-dependent homologous pairing with the yeast Rad55 protein, is expressed. In this study, a two-hybrid analysis conducted with the use of a human brain cDNA library revealed that the major Xrcc3-interacting protein is a Rad51 paralog, Rad51C/Rad51L2. The purified Xrcc3.Rad51C complex, which shows apparent 1:1 stoichiometry, was found to catalyze the homologous pairing. Although the activity is reduced, the Rad51C protein alone also catalyzed homologous pairing, suggesting that Rad51C is a catalytic subunit for homologous pairing. The DNA-binding activity of Xrcc3.Rad51C was drastically decreased in the absence of Xrcc3, indicating that Xrcc3 is important for the DNA binding of Xrcc3.Rad51C. Electron microscopic observations revealed that Xrcc3.Rad51C and Rad51C formed similar filamentous structures with circular single-stranded DNA.

Chromosome instability and defective recombinational repair in knockout mutants of the five Rad51 paralogs

The Rad51 protein, a eukaryotic homologue of Escherichia coli RecA, plays a central role in both mitotic and meiotic homologous DNA recombination (HR) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is essential for the proliferation of vertebrate cells. Five vertebrate genes, RAD51B, -C, and -D and XRCC2 and -3, are implicated in HR on the basis of their sequence similarity to Rad51 (Rad51 paralogs). We generated mutants deficient in each of these proteins in the chicken B-lymphocyte DT40 cell line and report here the comparison of four new mutants and their complemented derivatives with our previously reported rad51b mutant. The Rad51 paralog mutations all impair HR, as measured by targeted integration and sister chromatid exchange. Remarkably, the mutant cell lines all exhibit very similar phenotypes: spontaneous chromosomal aberrations, high sensitivity to killing by cross-linking agents (mitomycin C and cisplatin), mild sensitivity to gamma rays, and significantly attenuated Rad51 focus formation during recombinational repair after exposure to gamma rays. Moreover, all mutants show partial correction of resistance to DNA damage by overexpression of human Rad51. We conclude that the Rad51 paralogs participate in repair as a functional unit that facilitates the action of Rad51 in HR.

Role of BRCA2 in control of the RAD51 recombination and DNA repair protein

Individuals carrying BRCA2 mutations are predisposed to breast and ovarian cancers. Here, we show that BRCA2 plays a dual role in regulating the actions of RAD51, a protein essential for homologous recombination and DNA repair. First, interactions between RAD51 and the BRC3 or BRC4 regions of BRCA2 block nucleoprotein filament formation by RAD51. Alterations to the BRC3 region that mimic cancer-associated BRCA2 mutations fail to exhibit this effect. Second, transport of RAD51 to the nucleus is defective in cells carrying a cancer-associated BRCA2 truncation. Thus, BRCA2 regulates both the intracellular localization and DNA binding ability of RAD51. Loss of these controls following BRCA2 inactivation may be a key event leading to genomic instability and tumorigenesis.

Human DNA repair genes

DNA repair systems are essential for the maintenance of genome integrity. Consequently, the disregulation of repair genes can be expected to be associated with significant, detrimental health effects, which can include an increased prevalence of birth defects, an enhancement of cancer risk, and an accelerated rate of aging. Although original insights into DNA repair and the genes responsible were largely derived from studies in bacteria and yeast, well over 125 genes directly involved in DNA repair have now been identified in humans, and their cDNA sequence established. These genes function in a diverse set of pathways that involve the recognition and removal of DNA lesions, tolerance to DNA damage, and protection from errors of incorporation made during DNA replication or DNA repair. Additional genes indirectly affect DNA repair, by regulating the cell cycle, ostensibly to provide an opportunity for repair or to direct the cell to apoptosis. For about 70 of the DNA repair genes listed in Table I, both the genomic DNA sequence and the cDNA sequence and chromosomal location have been elucidated. In 45 cases single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified and, in some cases, genetic variants have been associated with specific disorders. With the accelerating rate of gene discovery, the number of identified DNA repair genes and sequence variants is quickly rising. This report tabulates the current status of what is known about these genes. The report is limited to genes whose function is directly related to DNA repair.

Both RadA and RadB are involved in homologous recombination in Pyrococcus furiosus

RecA and Rad51 proteins are essential for homologous recombination in Bacteria and Eukarya, respectively. Homologous proteins, called RadA, have been described for Archaea. Here we present the characterization of two RecA/Rad51 family proteins, RadA and RadB, from Pyrococcus furiosus. The radA and radB genes were not induced by DNA damage resulting from exposure of the cells to gamma and UV irradiation and heat shock, suggesting that they might be constitutively expressed in this hyperthermophile. RadA had DNA-dependent ATPase, D-loop formation, and strand exchange activities. In contrast, RadB had a very weak ATPase activity that is not stimulated by DNA. This protein had a strong binding affinity for DNA, but little strand exchange activity could be detected. A direct interaction between RadA and RadB was detected by an immunoprecipitation assay. Moreover, RadB, but not RadA, coprecipitated with Hjc, a Holliday junction resolvase found in P. furiosus, in the absence of ATP. This interaction was suppressed in the presence of ATP. The Holliday junction cleavage activity of Hjc was inhibited by RadB in the absence, but not in the presence, of ATP. These results suggest that RadB has important roles in homologous recombination in Archaea and may regulate the cleavage reactions of the branch-structured DNA.

The RAD51 family member, RAD51L3, is a DNA-stimulated ATPase that forms a complex with XRCC2

The Rad51 protein in eukaryotic cells is a structural and functional homolog of Escherichia coli RecA with a role in DNA repair and genetic recombination. Several proteins showing sequence similarity to Rad51 have previously been identified in both yeast and human cells. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two of these proteins, Rad55p and Rad57p, form a heterodimer that can stimulate Rad51-mediated DNA strand exchange. Here, we report the purification of one of the representatives of the RAD51 family in human cells. We demonstrate that the purified RAD51L3 protein possesses single-stranded DNA binding activity and DNA-stimulated ATPase activity, consistent with the presence of "Walker box" motifs in the deduced RAD51L3 sequence. We have identified a protein complex in human cells containing RAD51L3 and a second RAD51 family member, XRCC2. By using purified proteins, we demonstrate that the interaction between RAD51L3 and XRCC2 is direct. Given the requirements for XRCC2 in genetic recombination and protection against DNA-damaging agents, we suggest that the complex of RAD51L3 and XRCC2 is likely to be important for these functions in human cells.

The Rad51 paralog Rad51B promotes homologous recombinational repair

The highly conserved Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad51 protein plays a central role in both mitotic and meiotic homologous DNA recombination. Seven members of the Rad51 family have been identified in vertebrate cells, including Rad51, Dmc1, and five Rad51-related proteins referred to as Rad51 paralogs, which share 20 to 30% sequence identity with Rad51. In chicken B lymphocyte DT40 cells, we generated a mutant with RAD51B/RAD51L1, a member of the Rad51 family, knocked out. RAD51B(-/-) cells are viable, although spontaneous chromosomal aberrations kill about 20% of the cells in each cell cycle. Rad51B deficiency impairs homologous recombinational repair (HRR), as measured by targeted integration, sister chromatid exchange, and intragenic recombination at the immunoglobulin locus. RAD51B(-/-) cells are quite sensitive to the cross-linking agents cisplatin and mitomycin C and mildly sensitive to gamma-rays. The formation of damage-induced Rad51 nuclear foci is much reduced in RAD51B(-/-) cells, suggesting that Rad51B promotes the assembly of Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments during HRR. These findings show that Rad51B is important for repairing various types of DNA lesions and maintaining chromosome integrity.

A novel human rad54 homologue, Rad54B, associates with Rad51

Members of the SNF2/SWI2 family, characterized with sequence motifs similar to those found in DNA and RNA helicases, play roles in various aspects of cellular fundamental processes such as transcriptional regulation, chromosome stability, nucleotide excision repair, and recombination. We have isolated a novel member of the human SNF2/SWI2 family, RAD54B, which is highly homologous to mammalian RAD54. The RAD54 gene is a member of the RAD52 epistasis group which is involved in the recombinational repair of DNA damage. Here we demonstrate that human Rad54B (hRad54B), like human Rad54 (hRad54), associates with human Rad51 (hRad51). Both hRad54B and hRad54 associate with hRad51 through their NH(2)-terminal domains, but there are differences in their ways of association with hRad51. In contrast to Rad54, whose association with Rad51 is induced by ionizing radiation, Rad54B associates with Rad51 constitutively in immunoprecipitation experiments. Also, the failure to detect the interaction between hRad54B and hRad51 in the yeast two-hybrid assay suggests that their interaction, unlike that between hRad54 and hRad51, may be indirect. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that hRad54B formed nuclear foci that colocalized with hRad51, hRad54, and BRCA1. These findings suggest that Rad54B may be functionally distinct from Rad54, although it may play an active role in recombination processes in concert with other members of the RAD52 epistasis group.

Genetic analysis of homologous DNA recombination in vertebrate somatic cells

The maintenance of genomic stability and the ability to repair induced DNA damage in vertebrate cells require homologues of the yeast RAD52 epistasis group genes. The homologous recombination carried out by the products of these genes is essential and appears to be closely linked to DNA replication. Defects in recombination and associated activities are implicated in human cancer. This review summarises recent biochemical and genetic findings on the roles played by the vertebrate RAD52 group gene products in recombination. We describe the phenotypic analysis of genetically engineered mammalian and chicken mutants of homologous recombination genes.

Recombination factors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been an excellent genetic and biochemical model for our understanding of homologous recombination. Central to the process of homologous recombination are the products of the RAD52 epistasis group of genes, whose functions we now know include the nucleolytic processing of DNA double-stand breaks, the ability to conduct a DNA homology search, and the capacity to promote the exchange of genetic information between homologous regions on recombining chromosomes. It is also clear that the basic functions of the RAD52 group of genes have been highly conserved among eukaryotes. Disruption of this important process causes genomic instability, which can result in a number of unsavory consequences, including tumorigenesis and cell death.

Evidence for simultaneous protein interactions between human Rad51 paralogs

In yeast, the Rad51-related proteins include Rad55 and Rad57, which form a heterodimer that interacts with Rad51. Five human Rad51 paralogs have been identified (XRCC2, XRCC3, Rad51B/Rad51L1, Rad51C/Rad51L2, and Rad51D/Rad51L3), and each interacts with one or more of the others. Previously we reported that HsRad51 interacts with XRCC3, and Rad51C interacts with XRCC3, Rad51B, and HsRad51. Here we report that in the yeast two-hybrid system, Rad51D interacts with XRCC2 and Rad51C. No other interactions, including self-interactions, were found, indicating that the observed interactions are specific. The yeast Rad51 interacts with human Rad51 and XRCC3, suggesting Rad51 conservation since the human yeast divergence. Data from yeast three-hybrid experiments indicate that a number of the pairs of interactions between human Rad51 paralogs can occur simultaneously. For example, Rad51B expression enhances the binding of Rad51C to XRCC3 and to HsRad51D, and Rad51C expression allows the indirect interaction of Rad51B with Rad51D. Experiments using 6xHis-tagged proteins in the baculovirus system confirm several of our yeast results, including Rad51B interaction with Rad51D only when Rad51C is simultaneously expressed and Rad51C interaction with XRCC2 only when Rad51D is present. These results suggest that these proteins may participate in one complex or multiple smaller ones.

A recombination repair gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, rhp57, is a functional homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD57 gene and is phylogenetically related to the human XRCC3 gene

To identify Schizosaccharomyces pombe genes involved in recombination repair, we identified seven mutants that were hypersensitive to both methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and gamma-rays and that contained mutations that caused synthetic lethality when combined with a rad2 mutation. One of the mutants was used to clone the corresponding gene from a genomic library by complementation of the MMS-sensitive phenotype. The gene obtained encodes a protein of 354 amino acids whose sequence is 32% identical to that of the Rad57 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. An rhp57 (RAD57 homolog of S. pombe) deletion strain was more sensitive to MMS, UV, and gamma-rays than the wild-type strain and showed a reduction in the frequency of mitotic homologous recombination. The MMS sensitivity was more severe at lower temperature and was suppressed by the presence of a multicopy plasmid bearing the rhp51 gene. An rhp51 rhp57 double mutant was as sensitive to UV and gamma-rays as an rhp51 single mutant, indicating that rhp51 function is epistatic to that of rhp57. These characteristics of the rhp57 mutants are very similar to those of S. cerevisiae rad57 mutants. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Rhp57 and Rad57 are evolutionarily closest to human Xrcc3 of the RecA/Rad51 family of proteins.

The breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2: at the crossroads between DNA replication and recombination?

The identification and cloning of the familial breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2, has excited much interest in its biological functions. Here, evidence is reviewed that the protein encoded by BRCA2 has an essential role in DNA repair through its association with mRad51, a mammalian homologue of bacterial and yeast proteins involved in homologous recombination. A model is proposed that the critical requirement for BRCA2 in cell division and the maintenance of chromosome stability stems from its participation in recombinational processes essential for DNA replication.

Disruption of muREC2/RAD51L1 in mice results in early embryonic lethality which can Be partially rescued in a p53(-/-) background

muREC2/RAD51L1 is a radiation-inducible gene that regulates cell cycle progression. To elucidate the biological function of muREC2/RAD51L1, the gene was disrupted in embryonic stem cells by homologous recombination. Mice heterozygous for muREC2/RAD51L1 appear normal and fertile; however, no homozygous pups were born after interbreeding of heterozygous mice. Timed pregnancy studies showed that homozygous mutant embryos were severely retarded in growth as early as ca. 5 days gestation (E5.5) and were completely resorbed by E8.5. Mutant blastocyst outgrowth was also severely impaired in a double-knockout embryo, but embryonic development did progress further in a p53-null background. These results suggest that muREC2/RAD51L1 plays a role in cell proliferation and early embryonic development, perhaps through interaction with p53.

Mammalian XRCC2 promotes the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination

The repair of DNA double-strand breaks is essential for cells to maintain their genomic integrity. Two major mechanisms are responsible for repairing these breaks in mammalian cells, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR): the importance of the former in mammalian cells is well established, whereas the role of the latter is just emerging. Homologous recombination is presumably promoted by an evolutionarily conserved group of genes termed the Rad52 epistasis group. An essential component of the HR pathway is the strand-exchange protein, known as RecA in bacteria or Rad51 in yeast. Several mammalian genes have been implicated in repair by homologous recombination on the basis of their sequence homology to yeast Rad51: one of these is human XRCC2. Here we show that XRCC2 is essential for the efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination between sister chromatids. We find that hamster cells deficient in XRCC2 show more than a 100-fold decrease in HR induced by double-strand breaks compared with the parental cell line. This defect is corrected to almost wild-type levels by transient transfection with a plasmid expressing XRCC2. The repair defect in XRCC2 mutant cells appears to be restricted to recombinational repair because NHEJ is normal. We conclude that XRCC2 is involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination.

Human POMp75 is identified as the pro-oncoprotein TLS/FUS: both POMp75 and POMp100 DNA homologous pairing activities are associated to cell proliferation

We have previously developed an assay to measure DNA homologous pairing activities in crude extracts: The POM blot. In mammalian nuclear extracts, we detected two major DNA homologous pairing activities: POMp100 and POMp75. Here, we present the purification and identification of POMp75 as the pro-oncoprotein TLS/FUS. Because of the pro-oncogene status of TLS/FUS, we studied in addition, the relationships between cell proliferation and POM activities. We show that transformation of human fibroblasts by SV40 large T antigen results in a strong increase of both POMpl00 and TLS/POMp75 activities. Although detectable levels of both POMp100 and TLS/POMp75 are observed in non-immortalized fibroblasts or lymphocytes, fibroblasts at mid confluence or lymphocytes stimulated by phytohaemaglutinin, show higher levels of POM activities. Moreover, induction of differentiation of mouse F9 line by retinoic acid leads to the inhibition of both POMp100 and TLS/POMp75 activities. Comparison of POM activity of TLS/FUS with the amount of TLS protein detected by Western blot, suggests that the POM activity could be regulated by post-translation modification. Taken together, these results indicate that POMp100 and TLS/POMp75 activities are present in normal cells but are connected to cell proliferation. Possible relationship between cell proliferation, response to DNA damage and DNA homologous pairing activity of the pro-oncoprotein TLS/FUS are discussed.

A new recombinational DNA repair gene from Schizosaccharomyces pombe with homology to Escherichia coli RecA

A new DNA repair gene from Schizosaccharomyces pombe with homology to RecA was identified and characterized. Comparative analysis showed highest similarity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad55p. rhp55(+) (rad homologue pombe 55) encodes a predicted 350-amino-acid protein with an M(r) of 38,000. The rhp55Delta mutant was highly sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), ionizing radiation (IR), and, to a lesser degree, UV. These phenotypes were enhanced at low temperatures, similar to deletions in the S. cerevisiae RAD55 and RAD57 genes. Many rhp55Delta cells were elongated with aberrant nuclei and an increased DNA content. The rhp55 mutant showed minor deficiencies in meiotic intra- and intergenic recombination. Sporulation efficiency and spore viability were significantly reduced. Double-mutant analysis showed that rhp55(+) acts in one DNA repair pathway with rhp51(+) and rhp54(+), homologs of the budding yeast RAD51 and RAD54 genes, respectively. However, rhp55(+) is in a different epistasis group for repair of UV-, MMS-, or gamma-ray-induced DNA damage than is rad22(+), a putative RAD52 homolog of fission yeast. The structural and functional similarity suggests that rhp55(+) is a homolog of the S. cerevisiae RAD55 gene and we propose that the functional diversification of RecA-like genes in budding yeast is evolutionarily conserved.

Gene targeting is enhanced in human cells overexpressing hRAD51

The ideal therapy for single gene disorders would be repair of the mutated disease genes. Homologous recombination is one of several cellular mechanisms for the repair of DNA damage. Recombination between exogenous DNA and homologous chromosomal loci (gene targeting) can be used to repair an endogenous gene, but the low efficiency of this process is a serious barrier to its therapeutic potential. Recent progress in the isolation and characterisation of mammalian genes and proteins involved in DNA recombination has raised the possibility that the cellular biochemistry of recombination can be manipulated to improve the efficiency of gene targeting. As an initial test of this approach, we have overexpressed the gene encoding hRAD51, a protein with homologous DNA pairing and strand exchange activities, in human cells and measured its effect on gene targeting. We report a two- to three-fold increase in gene targeting, and enhanced resistance to ionising radiation in hRAD51-overexpressing cells with no obvious detrimental effects. These observations provide valuable genetic evidence for the involvement of hRAD51 in both gene targeting and DNA repair in human cells. Our data also establish overexpression of recombination genes as a viable approach to improving gene targeting efficiencies.

A surfeit of RAD51-like genes?

The process of homologous recombination appears enigmatic: it creates genetic diversity but also provides an important way of repairing DNA damage without errors. The recent cloning and functional analysis of eukaryotic recombination genes suggests that at least part of the intricate mechanism involved is conserved from bacteria to humans, but is also yielding some surprises.

Multiple alternative transcripts of the human homologue of the mouse TRAD/R51H3/RAD51D gene, a member of the rec A/RAD51 gene family

Yeast RAD51, a homologue of Escherichia coli recA, plays a crucial role in mitotic and/or meiotic recombination and in the repair of double-strand DNA breaks. We have identified unique multiple alternative transcripts of a human TRAD/R51H3/RAD51D gene, a member of the recA/RAD51 gene family. One of the transcripts encoded a 328-amino-acid protein with 83.0% overall amino acid identity and 98. 2% similarity with the mouse TRAD gene and had two nucleotide binding consensus sequences, motif A and motif B, conserved among members of this family. Other transcripts encoded truncated proteins with a partial N-terminal region of the orthologue or short proteins lacking internal sequences which contain nucleotide binding motifs. Northern blot analysis revealed that multiple transcripts of the human TRAD gene were expressed in various tissues and their distribution was not ubiquitous.

High-resolution physical and genetic mapping of the critical region for Meckel syndrome and Mulibrey Nanism on chromosome 17q22-q23

Previously, we assigned the genes for two autosomal recessive disorders, Meckel syndrome (MKS; MIM 249000) and Mulibrey Nanism [MUL (muscle-liver-brain-eye Nanism); MIM 253250] that are enriched in the Finnish population, to overlapping genomic regions on chromosome 17q. Now, we report the construction of a bacterial clone contig over the critical region for both disorders. Several novel CA-repeat markers were isolated from these clones, which allowed refined mapping of the MKS and MUL loci using haplotype and linkage disequilibrium analysis. The localization of the MKS locus was narrowed to <1 cM between markers D17S1290 and 132-CA, within an approximately 800-kb region. The MUL locus was refined into an approximately 1400-kb interval between markers D17S1290 and 52-CA. The whole MKS region falls within the MUL region. In the common critical region, the conserved haplotypes were different in MKS and MUL patients. A trancript map was constructed by assigning expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and genes, derived from the human gene map, to the bacterial clone contig. Altogether, four genes and a total of 20 ESTs were precisely localized. These data provide the molecular tools for the final identification of the MKS and the MUL genes.

High-Resolution Physical and Genetic Mapping of the Critical Region for Meckel Syndrome and Mulibrey Nanism on Chromosome 17q22–q23

Previously, we assigned the genes for two autosomal recessive disorders, Meckel syndrome (MKS; MIM 249000) and Mulibrey Nanism [MUL (muscle–liver–brain–eye Nanism); MIM 253250] that are enriched in the Finnish population, to overlapping genomic regions on chromosome 17q. Now, we report the construction of a bacterial clone contig over the critical region for both disorders. Several novel CA-repeat markers were isolated from these clones, which allowed refined mapping of the MKS and MUL loci using haplotype and linkage disequilibrium analysis. The localization of the MKS locus was narrowed to <1 cM between markers D17S1290 and 132-CA, within an ∼800-kb region. The MUL locus was refined into an ∼1400-kb interval between markers D17S1290 and 52-CA. The whole MKS region falls within the MUL region. In the common critical region, the conserved haplotypes were different in MKS and MUL patients. A trancript map was constructed by assigning expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and genes, derived from the human gene map, to the bacterial clone contig. Altogether, four genes and a total of 20 ESTs were precisely localized. These data provide the molecular tools for the final identification of the MKS and the MUL genes.

[The sequence data described in this paper have been submitted to the GenBank data library under accession nos. G42608–G42611,G42376–G42388, and G42200–G42250. The online supplement for primer sequences and PCR product sizes, as well as the STS-content table, are available at http://www.cshl.org/gr.]

Repair of ionizing radiation damage in mammalian cells. Alternative pathways and their fidelity

Ionizing radiation causes a variety of types of damage to DNA in cells, requiring the concerted action of a number of DNA repair enzymes to restore genomic integrity. The DNA base-excision repair and DNA double-strand break repair pathways are particularly important. While single base damages are rapidly excised and repaired using the opposite (undamaged) strand as a template, the correct repair of DNA double-strand breaks may present more difficulties to cellular enzymes owing to the loss of template. In the last few years evidence in support of several enzymatic pathways for the repair of such double-stranded damage has been found. At present we may distinguish at least three pathways: homologous recombination repair, non-homologous (DNA-PK-dependent) end joining, and repeat-driven end joining. This paper focuses on evidence for the first and third of these pathways, and considers in particular their relative importance in mammalian cells and implications for the fidelity of repair.

Sequestration of mammalian Rad51-recombination protein into micronuclei

The mammalian Rad51 protein is involved in homologous recombination and in DNA damage repair. Its nuclear distribution after DNA damage is highly dynamic, and distinct foci of Rad51 protein, distributed throughout the nuclear volume, are induced within a few hours after gamma irradiation; these foci then coalesce into larger clusters. Rad51-positive cells do not undergo DNA replication. Rad51 foci colocalize with both replication protein A and sites of unscheduled DNA repair synthesis and may represent a nuclear domain for recombinational DNA repair. By 24 h postirradiation, most foci are sequestered into micronuclei or assembled into Rad51-coated DNA fibers. These micronuclei and DNA fibers display genome fragmentation typical of apoptotic cell death. Other repair proteins, such as Rad52 and Gadd45, are not eliminated from the nucleus. DNA double strand breaks in repair-deficient cells or induced by the clastogen etoposide are also accompanied by the sequestering of Rad51 protein before cell death. The spindle poison colcemid causes cell cycle arrest and Rad51-foci formation without directly damaging DNA. Collectively, these observations suggest that mammalian Rad51 protein associates with damaged DNA and/or with DNA that is temporarily or irreversibly unable to replicate and these foci may subsequently be eliminated from the nucleus.

The contribution of homologous recombination in preserving genome integrity in mammalian cells

Although it is clear that mammalian somatic cells possess the enzymatic machinery to perform homologous recombination of DNA molecules, the importance of this process in mitigating DNA damage has been uncertain. An initial genetic framework for studying homologous recombinational repair (HRR) has come from identifying relevant genes by homology or by their ability to correct mutants whose phenotypes are suggestive of recombinational defects. While yeast has been an invaluable guide, higher eukaryotes diverge in the details and complexity of HRR. For eliminating DSBs, HRR and end-joining pathways share the burden, with HRR contributing critically during S and G2 phases. It is likely that the removal of interstrand cross-links is absolutely dependent on efficient HRR, as suggested by the extraordinary sensitivity of the ercc1, xpf/ercc4, xrcc2, and xrcc3 mutants to cross-linking chemicals. Similarly, chromosome stability in untreated cells requires intact HRR, which may eliminate DSBs arising during DNA replication and thereby prevent chromosome aberrations. Complex regulation of HRR by cell cycle checkpoint and surveillance functions is suggested not only by direct interactions between human Rad51 and p53, c-Abl, and BRCA2, but also by very high recombination rates in p53-deficient cells.

The role of homologous recombination processes in the repair of severe forms of DNA damage in mammalian cells

The role of homologous recombination processes in the repair of severe forms of DNA damage is reviewed, with particular attention to the functions of members of the recA/RAD51 family of genes. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, several of the gene products involved in homologous recombination repair (HRR) have been studied in detail, and a picture is beginning to emerge of the repair mechanism for DNA double-strand breaks. Knowledge is fragmentary for other eukaryotic organisms and for other types of DNA damage. In mammalian cells, while it has been known for some years that HRR occurs, the relative importance of the process in repairing DNA damage is unknown and very few of the gene products involved have been identified. Very recently, a number of RAD51-like genes have been identified in mammals, either through cloning genes complementing cell lines sensitive to DNA-damaging agents (XRCC2, XRCC3), or through homology searches (RAD51L1, RAD51L2, RAD51L3). As yet the role of these genes and their possible functions are speculative, although the combination of sequence conservation and gene expression patterns suggest that they function in HRR pathways.

Double-strand break repair by interchromosomal recombination: suppression of chromosomal translocations

To directly determine whether recombinational repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) can occur between heterologous chromosomes and lead to chromosomal rearrangements in mammalian cells, we employed an ES cell system to analyze recombination between repeats on heterologous chromosomes. We found that recombination is induced at least 1000-fold following the introduction of a DSB in one repeat. Most (98%) recombinants repaired the DSB by gene conversion in which a small amount of sequence information was transferred from the unbroken chromosome onto the broken chromosome. The remaining recombinants transferred a larger amount of information, but still no chromosomal aberrations were apparent. Thus, mammalian cells are capable of searching genome-wide for sequences that are suitable for DSB repair. The lack of crossover events that would have led to translocations supports a model in which recombination is coupled to replication.

Molecular mechanisms of DNA double strand break repair

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are major threats to the genomic integrity of cells. If not taken care of properly, they can cause chromosome fragmentation, loss and translocation, possibly resulting in carcinogenesis. Upon DSB formation, cell-cycle checkpoints are triggered and multiple DSB repair pathways can be activated. Recent research on the Nijmegen breakage syndrome, which predisposes patients to cancer, suggests a direct link between activation of cell-cycle checkpoints and DSB repair. Furthermore, the biochemical activities of proteins involved in the two major DSB repair pathways, homologous recombination and DNA end-joining, are now beginning to emerge. This review discusses these new findings and their implications for the mechanisms of DSB repair.

Xrcc3 is required for assembly of Rad51 complexes in vivo

Rad51 is a member of a family of eukaryotic proteins related to the bacterial recombinational repair protein RecA. Rad51 protein localizes to multiple subnuclear foci in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Subnuclear Rad51 foci are induced by ionizing radiation or the DNA cross-linking agent cisplatin. Formation of these foci is likely to reflect assembly of a multimeric form of Rad51 that promotes DNA repair. Formation of damage-induced Rad51 foci does not occur in the Chinese hamster ovary cell line irs1SF, which is sensitive to DNA damaging agents. The Rad51 focus formation defect of irs1SF cells is corrected by a construct that encodes the repair protein Xrcc3. Xrcc3 is a human homolog of Rad51 previously isolated by virtue of its ability to correct the radiation sensitivity of irs1SF cells. Changes in the steady state level of Rad51 protein do not account for the irs1SF defect nor do they account for the appearance of foci following DNA damage. These results suggest that Xrcc3 is required for the assembly or stabilization of a multimeric form of Rad51 during DNA repair. Cell lines defective in two different components of DNA protein kinase formed Rad51 foci in response to damage, indicating DNA protein kinase is not required for damaged-induced mobilization of Rad51.