Ataxia-telangiectasia and the Nijmegen breakage syndrome: related disorders but genes apart

Loss of neuronal cell cycle control in ataxia-telangiectasia: a unified disease mechanism

In ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), the loss of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase leads to a failure of cell cycle checkpoints and DNA double-strand break detection resulting in cellular radiation sensitivity and a predisposition to cancer. There is also a significant loss of neurons, in particular cerebellar granule and Purkinje cells. Mice homozygous for null alleles of atm reproduce the radiation sensitivity and high-tumor incidence of the human disease but show no significant nerve cell loss. Using immunocytochemistry, we found the re-expression of cell cycle proteins in Purkinje cells and striatal neurons in both human and mouse A-T. In the mouse, we used fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to document that DNA replication accompanies the reappearance of these proteins in at-risk neuronal cells. We also found the presence of significant cell cycle activity in the Purkinje cells of the atm+/- heterozygote mouse. The cell cycle events in mouse cerebellum occur primarily during the third postnatal week by both FISH and immunocytochemistry. Thus, the initiation of this ectopic cell division occurs just as the final stages of Purkinje cell development are being completed. These results suggest that loss of cell cycle control represents a common disease mechanism that underlies the defects in the affected tissues in both human and mouse diseases.

ATM and ataxia telangiectasia

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) has long intrigued the biomedical research community owing to the spectrum of defects that are characteristic of the disease, including neurodegeneration, immune dysfunction, radiosensitivity and cancer predisposition. Following the identification of mutations in ATM (ataxia telangiectasia, mutated) as the underlying cause of the disease, biochemical analysis of this protein kinase has shown that it is a crucial nexus for the cellular response to DNA double-stranded breaks. Many ATM kinase substrates are important players in the cellular responses that prevent cancer. Accordingly, AT is a disease that results from defects in the response to specific types of DNA damage. Thus, although it is a rare neurodegenerative disease, understanding the biology of AT will lead to a greater understanding of the fundamental processes that underpin cancer and neurodegeneration.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints, DNA Damage/Repair, and Lung Cancer Risk

Given that defects in cell cycle control and DNA repair capacity may contribute to tumorigenesis, we hypothesized that patients with lung cancer would be more likely than healthy controls to exhibit deficiencies in cell cycle checkpoints and/or DNA repair capacity as gauged by cellular response to in vitro carcinogen exposure. In an ongoing case-control study of 155 patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer and 153 healthy controls, we used the comet assay to investigate the roles of cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage/repair capability in lung tumorigenesis. The median γ-radiation-induced and benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide–induced Olive tail moments, the comet assay parameter for measuring DNA damage, were significantly higher in the case group (5.31 and 4.22, respectively) than in the control group (4.42 and 2.83, respectively; P < 0.001). Higher tail moments of γ-radiation and benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide–induced comets were significantly associated with 2.32- and 4.49-fold elevated risks, respectively, of lung cancer. The median γ-radiation-induced increases of cells in the S and G2 phases were significantly lower in cases (22.2% and 12.2%, respectively) than in controls (31.1% and 14.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Shorter durations of the S and G2 phases resulted in 4.54- and 1.85-fold increased risks, respectively, of lung cancer. Also observed were joint effects between γ-radiation-induced increases of S and G2 phase frequencies and mutagen-induced comets. In addition, we found that in controls, the S phase decreased as tail moment increased. This study is significant because it provides the first molecular epidemiologic evidence linking defects in cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage/repair capacity to elevated lung cancer risk.

Nbs1 is required for ATR-dependent phosphorylation events

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is characterised by microcephaly, developmental delay, characteristic facial features, immunodeficiency and radiosensitivity. Nbs1, the protein defective in NBS, functions in ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM)-dependent signalling likely facilitating ATM phosphorylation events. While NBS shares overlapping characteristics with ataxia telangiectasia, it also has features overlapping with ATR-Seckel (ATR: ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein) syndrome, a subclass of Seckel syndrome mutated in ATR. We show that Nbs1 also facilitates ATR-dependent phosphorylation. NBS cell lines show a similar defect in ATR phosphorylation of Chk1, c-jun and p-53 in response to UV irradiation- and hydroxyurea (HU)-induced replication stalling. They are also impaired in ubiquitination of FANCD2 after HU treatment, which is ATR dependent. Following HU-induced replication arrest, NBS and ATR-Seckel cells show similarly impaired G2/M checkpoint arrest and an impaired ability to restart DNA synthesis at stalled replication forks. Moreover, NBS cells fail to retain ATR in the nucleus following HU treatment and extraction. Our findings suggest that Nbs1 functions in both ATR- and ATM-dependent signalling. We propose that the NBS clinical features represent the result of these combined defects.

Mutant Nbs1 enhances cisplatin-induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity in head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVE

Enhanced DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair could be a primary cause for development of resistance in tumor cells to cisplatin, which induces crosslinks and DNA DSBs. A protein complex consisting of hMre11, hRad50, and Nbs1 (MRN) has been identified as a critical component in repair of DNA DSBs. The present study investigates whether the expression of a truncated form of Nbs1 interrupts the function of the MRN complex and therefore enhances cisplatin-induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS AND MEASURES

Two human HNSCC cell lines, JHU006 and JHU029, were used. A dominant negative recombinant adenovirus expressing domains of Nbs1 was constructed. Adenovirus-mediated mutant Nbs1 (Ad-Nbs1) gene transfer was performed with replication-defective virus (DL312) and no treatment as controls. Transgene expression and cell viability were evaluated in transfected cells. Neutral comet assay was performed and the "tail moment," the product of the amount of DNA in the tail and the distance of tail migration, was analyzed for evaluating DNA DSB damage at 24, 48, and 72 hours.

RESULTS

Transgene expression of mutant Nbs1 was confirmed by Western blotting. Ad-Nbs1 gene transfer significantly increased cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity as shown by stunting of 6-day growth curves. Neutral comet analysis revealed that the mean tail moment, indicative of DNA damage, was significantly elevated in cells treated with combined cisplatin and Ad-Nbs1 compared to cisplatin alone in both cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of mutant Nbs1 significantly increases cisplatin-induced DNA DSBs and cytotoxicity. The increase in double-strand DNA damage corresponds to the level of cytotoxicity in the different treatment groups and suggests that tumor chemosensitization occurs through augmentation of DNA DSBs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Alteration of DNA repair may provide a novel approach to enhancing sensitivity of HNSCC to chemotherapy. Our study supports the potential application of Ad-Nbs1 in combination with cisplatin for treatment of advanced and metastatic HNSCC.

The clinical and biological overlap between Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome and Fanconi anemia

Fanconi anemia (FA), an autosomal recessive chromosomal instability syndrome, is characterized clinically by developmental abnormalities, growth retardation, progressive bone marrow failure, pancytopenia, and pronounced cancer predisposition. Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome (NBS) is a related disorder that shares overlapping clinical features, principally, developmental delay, microcephaly, and cancer predisposition. The diagnosis has relied on chromosomal instability following exposure to DNA cross-linking agents in FA and to ionizing radiation (IR) in NBS. We describe two patients who clinically had FA, but showed sensitivity to both DNA cross-linking agents and ionizing radiation, and who were found to have a rare mutation in the NBS gene. The importance of genetic diagnosis with respect to treatment and prognosis is discussed.

The rate of extrachromosomal homologous recombination within a novel reporter plasmid is elevated in cells lacking functional ATM protein

Homologous recombination between identical stretches of DNA depends on the coordinated action of many tightly regulated proteins. Cellular defects in homologous recombination are strongly associated with increased genomic instability and tumorigenesis. In cells of the cancer-prone syndrome ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), increased intrachromosomal recombination has been demonstrated, while extrachromosomal recombination has been discussed controversially. We constructed a novel, episomally replicating pGrec recombination vector containing two mutated alleles of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene. Homologous recombination can reconstitute functional wildtype eGFP, thus allowing detection of recombination events based on cellular eGFP fluorescence. Using an isogenic cell pair of A-T fibroblasts and derivatives complemented by an ATM expression vector, we were able to demonstrate in A-T cells high extrachromosomal recombination rates, which are suppressed upon ectopic ATM expression. We thus found that ATM deficiency increases spontaneous recombination not only in intrachromosomal but also in extrachromosomal substrates, suggesting that lack of ATM increases homologous recombination independent of the chromatin structure.

The impact of carboxy nitroxide antioxidants on irradiated ataxia telangiectasia cells

Three water-soluble carboxy nitroxide antioxidants, 5-carboxy-1,1,3,3-tetramethylisoindolin-2-yloxyl, 4-carboxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxyl, and 3-carboxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-1-yloxyl, show significant impact on the postirradiation survival rates of ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) cells compared to normal cells, an assay which represents a model for understanding the impact of ROS damage on the A-T phenotype. The effects of these antioxidants are much more significant than those of vitamin E or Trolox (a water-soluble vitamin E analog), studied using the same cell survival model.

Telomere dysfunction in genome instability syndromes

Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes located at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes. They have essential roles in preventing terminal fusions, protecting chromosome ends from degradation, and in chromosome positioning in the nucleus. These terminal structures consist of a tandemly repeated DNA sequence (TTAGGG in vertebrates) that varies in length from 5 to 15 kb in humans. Several proteins are attached to this telomeric DNA, some of which are also involved in different DNA damage response pathways, including Ku80, Mre11, NBS and BLM, among others. Mutations in the genes encoding these proteins cause a number of rare genetic syndromes characterized by chromosome and/or genetic instability and cancer predisposition. Deletions or mutations in any of these genes may also cause a telomere defect resulting in accelerated telomere shortening, lack of end-capping function, and/or end-to-end chromosome fusions. This telomere phenotype is also known to promote chromosomal instability and carcinogenesis. Therefore, it is essential to understand the interplay between telomere biology and genome stability. This review is focused in the dual role of chromosome fragility proteins in telomere maintenance.

Role of cell cycle in mediating sensitivity to radiotherapy

Multiple pathways are involved in maintaining the genetic integrity of a cell after its exposure to ionizing radiation. Although repair mechanisms such as homologous recombination and nonhomologous end-joining are important mammalian responses to double-strand DNA damage, cell cycle regulation is perhaps the most important determinant of ionizing radiation sensitivity. A common cellular response to DNA-damaging agents is the activation of cell cycle checkpoints. The DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation initiates signals that can ultimately activate either temporary checkpoints that permit time for genetic repair or irreversible growth arrest that results in cell death (necrosis or apoptosis). Such checkpoint activation constitutes an integrated response that involves sensor (RAD, BRCA, NBS1), transducer (ATM, CHK), and effector (p53, p21, CDK) genes. One of the key proteins in the checkpoint pathways is the tumor suppressor gene p53, which coordinates DNA repair with cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Specifically, in addition to other mediators of the checkpoint response (CHK kinases, p21), p53 mediates the two major DNA damage-dependent cellular checkpoints, one at the G(1)-S transition and the other at the G(2)-M transition, although the influence on the former process is more direct and significant. The cell cycle phase also determines a cell's relative radiosensitivity, with cells being most radiosensitive in the G(2)-M phase, less sensitive in the G(1) phase, and least sensitive during the latter part of the S phase. This understanding has, therefore, led to the realization that one way in which chemotherapy and fractionated radiotherapy may work better is by partial synchronization of cells in the most radiosensitive phase of the cell cycle. We describe how cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoint control relates to exposure to ionizing radiation.

Distinct roles of c-Abl and Atm in oxidative stress response are mediated by protein kinase C delta

c-Abl and Atm have been implicated in cell responses to DNA damage and oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanisms by which they regulate oxidative stress response remain unclear. In this report, we show that deficiency of c-Abl and deficiency of ATM differentially altered cell responses to oxidative stress by induction of antioxidant protein peroxiredoxin I (Prx I) via Nrf2 and cell death, both of which required protein kinase C (PKC) delta activation and were mediated by reactive oxygen species. c-abl-/- osteoblasts displayed enhanced Prx I induction, elevated Nrf2 levels, and hypersusceptibility to arsenate, which were reinstated by reconstitution of c-Abl; Atm-/- osteoblasts showed the opposite. These phenotypes correlated with increased PKC delta expression in c-abl-/- osteoblasts and decreased PKC delta expression in Atm-/- cells, respectively. The enhanced responses of c-abl-/- osteoblasts could be mimicked by overexpression of PKC delta in normal cells and impeded by inhibition of PKC delta, and diminished responses of Atm-/- cells could be rescued by PKC delta overexpression, indicating that PKC delta mediated the effects of c-Abl and ATM in oxidative stress response. Hence, our results unveiled a previously unrecognized mechanism by which c-Abl and Atm participate in oxidative stress response.

The Mre11 complex and the metabolism of chromosome breaks: the importance of communicating and holding things together

The conserved Mre11 complex (Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1) plays a role in each aspect of chromosome break metabolism. The complex acts as a break sensor and functions in the activation and propagation of signaling pathways that govern cell cycle checkpoint functions in response to DNA damage. In addition, the Mre11 complex influences recombinational DNA repair through promoting recombination between sister chromatids. The Mre11 complex is required for mammalian cell viability but hypomorphic mutants of Mre11 and Nbs1 have been identified in human genetic instability disorders. These hypomorphic mutations, as well as those identified in yeast, have provided a benchmark for establishing mouse models of Mre11 complex deficiency. In addition to consideration of Mre11 complex functions in human cells and yeast, this review will discuss the characterization of mouse models and insight gleaned from those models regarding the metabolism of chromosome breaks. The current picture of break metabolism supports a central role for the Mre11 complex at the interface of chromosome stability and the regulation of cell growth. Further genetic analysis of the Mre11 complex will be an invaluable tool for dissecting its function on an organismal level and determining its role in the prevention of malignancy.

DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination

DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) are presumed to be the most deleterious DNA lesions as they disrupt both DNA strands. Homologous recombination (HR), single-strand annealing, and non-homologous end-joining are considered to be the pathways for repairing DSB. In this review, we focus on DSB repair by HR. The proteins involved in this process as well as the interactions among them are summarized and characterized. The main emphasis is on eukaryotic cells, particularly the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammals. Only the RAD52 epistasis group proteins are included.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of the Catalytic Domain of Zebrafish Homologue of the Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated Gene

Inherited biallelic mutations of the ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) gene in humans cause ataxia-telangiectasia, a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with progressive neuro-degeneration, cancer predisposition, immunodeficiency, and hypersensitivity to ionizing radiation. The ATM gene is highly conserved across a wide range of species. In an attempt to establish a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of ataxia-telangiectasia, we cloned the coding sequence of the catalytic domain of the zebrafish homologue of ATM and found it to contain an open reading frame encoding 907 amino acids at the carboxyl terminus of the zebrafish ATM (zATM). The catalytic domain of zATM shares 67% and 66% homology with human ATM (hATM) and mouse ATM (mATM), respectively. The full-length mRNA encoding zATM is found to be approximately 11 kb by Northern hybridization, and the expression of zATM is observed in different adult and embryonic tissues. Overexpression of a kinase-inactive zATM domain in human cells has a dominant-negative effect against hATM function. Expression of the altered zATM in ZF4 cells leads to an A-T–like phenotype in response to ionizing radiation. These results taken together indicate that zATM is the homologue of hATM. Furthermore, using the kinase-inactive form of zATM should allow manipulation of zATM function in fish cells.

Molecular Mechanisms of Mammalian DNA Repair and the DNA Damage Checkpoints

DNA damage is a relatively common event in the life of a cell and may lead to mutation, cancer, and cellular or organismic death. Damage to DNA induces several cellular responses that enable the cell either to eliminate or cope with the damage or to activate a programmed cell death process, presumably to eliminate cells with potentially catastrophic mutations. These DNA damage response reactions include: (a) removal of DNA damage and restoration of the continuity of the DNA duplex; (b) activation of a DNA damage checkpoint, which arrests cell cycle progression so as to allow for repair and prevention of the transmission of damaged or incompletely replicated chromosomes; (c) transcriptional response, which causes changes in the transcription profile that may be beneficial to the cell; and (d) apoptosis, which eliminates heavily damaged or seriously deregulated cells. DNA repair mechanisms include direct repair, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, double-strand break repair, and cross-link repair. The DNA damage checkpoints employ damage sensor proteins, such as ATM, ATR, the Rad17-RFC complex, and the 9-1-1 complex, to detect DNA damage and to initiate signal transduction cascades that employ Chk1 and Chk2 Ser/Thr kinases and Cdc25 phosphatases. The signal transducers activate p53 and inactivate cyclin-dependent kinases to inhibit cell cycle progression from G1 to S (the G1/S checkpoint), DNA replication (the intra-S checkpoint), or G2 to mitosis (the G2/M checkpoint). In this review the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair and the DNA damage checkpoints in mammalian cells are analyzed.

SV40 T antigen interacts with Nbs1 to disrupt DNA replication control

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is characterized by radiation hypersensitivity, chromosomal instability, and predisposition to cancer. Nbs1, the NBS protein, forms a tight complex with Mre11 and Rad50, and these interactions contribute to proper double-strand break repair. The simian virus 40 (SV40) oncoprotein, large T antigen (T), also interacts with Nbs1, and T-containing cells experience chromosomal hyperreplication in a manner dependent on T/Nbs1 complex formation. A substantial fraction of NBS-deficient fibroblasts reinitiate DNA replication in discrete regions, and wild-type Nbs1 corrects this defect. Similarly, synthesis of an N-terminal Nbs1 fragment induced DNA rereplication and tetraploidy, in NBS-deficient but not NBS-proficient cells. Moreover, SV40 origin-containing DNA hyperreplicated in T-containing NBS-deficient cells by comparison with T-containing, Nbs1-reconstituted derivatives. Thus, Nbs1 suppresses rereplication of cellular DNA and SV40 origin-containing replicons, and T targets Nbs1, thereby enhancing the yield of new SV40 genomes during viral DNA replication.

Distinct functional domains of Nbs1 modulate the timing and magnitude of ATM activation after low doses of ionizing radiation

The ATM kinase is a tumour suppressor and a key activator of genome integrity checkpoints in mammalian cells exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) and other insults that elicit DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In response to IR, autophosphorylation on serine 1981 causes dissociation of ATM dimers and initiates cellular ATM kinase activity. Here, we show that the kinetics and magnitude of ATM Ser1981 phosphorylation after exposure of human fibroblasts to low doses (2 Gy) of IR are altered in cells deficient in Nbs1, a substrate of ATM and a component of the MRN (Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1) complex involved in processing/repair of DSBs and ATM-dependent cell cycle checkpoints. Timely phosphorylation of both ATM Ser1981 and the ATM substrate Smc1 after IR were rescued via retrovirally mediated reconstitution of Nbs1-deficient cells by wild-type Nbs1 or mutants of Nbs1 defective in the FHA domain or nonphosphorylatable by ATM, but not by Nbs1 lacking the Mre11-interaction domain. Our data indicate that apart from its role downstream of ATM in the DNA damage checkpoint network, the MRN complex serves also as a modulator/amplifier of ATM activity. Although not absolutely required for ATM activation, the MRN nuclease complex may help reach the threshold activity of ATM necessary for optimal genome maintenance and prevention of cancer.

The DNA crosslink-induced S-phase checkpoint depends on ATR-CHK1 and ATR-NBS1-FANCD2 pathways

The genetic syndrome Fanconi anemia (FA) is characterized by aplastic anemia, cancer predisposition and hypersensitivity to DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). FA proteins (FANCs) are thought to work in pathway(s) essential for dealing with crosslinked DNA. FANCs interact with other proteins involved in both DNA repair and S-phase checkpoint such as BRCA1, ATM and the RAD50/MRE11/NBS1 (RMN) complex. We deciphered the previously undefined pathway(s) leading to the ICLs-induced S-phase checkpoint and the role of FANCs in this process. We found that ICLs activate a branched pathway downstream of the ATR kinase: one branch depending on CHK1 activity and the other on the FANCs-RMN complex. The transient slow-down of DNA synthesis was abolished in cells lacking ATR, whereas CHK1-siRNA-treated cells, NBS1 or FA cells showed partial S-phase arrest. CHK1 RNAi in NBS1 or FA cells abolished the S-phase checkpoint, suggesting that CHK1 and FANCs/NBS1 proteins work on parallel pathways. Furthermore, we found that ICLs trigger ATR-dependent FANCD2 phosphorylation and FANCD2/ATR colocalization. This study demonstrates a novel relationship between the FA pathway(s) and the ATR kinase.

Phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase-like serine/threonine protein kinases (PIKKs) are required for DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of the 32 kDa subunit of replication protein A at threonine 21

Replication protein A (RPA) is a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein involved in various processes, including nucleotide excision repair and DNA replication. The 32 kDa subunit of RPA (RPA32) is phosphorylated in response to various DNA-damaging agents, and two protein kinases, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) have been implicated in DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of RPA32. However, the relative roles of ATM and DNA-PK in the site-specific DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of RPA32 have not been reported. Here we generated a phosphospecific antibody that recognizes Thr21-phosphorylated RPA32. We show that both DNA-PK and ATM phosphorylate RPA32 on Thr21 in vitro. Ionizing radiation (IR)-induced phosphorylation of RPA32 on Thr21 was defective in ATM-deficient cells, while camptothecin (CPT)-induced phosphorylation of RPA32 on Thr21 was defective in cells lacking functional DNA-PK. Neither ATM nor DNA-PK was required for etoposide (ETOP)-induced RPA32 Thr21 phosphorylation. However, two inhibitors of the ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) protein kinase activity prevented ETOP-induced Thr21 phosphorylation. Inhibition of DNA replication prevented both the IR- and CPT-induced phosphorylation of Thr21, whereas ETOP-induced Thr21 phosphorylation did not require active DNA replication. Thus, the regulation of RPA32 Thr21 phosphorylation by multiple DNA damage response protein kinases suggests that Thr21 phosphorylation of RPA32 is a crucial step within the DNA damage response.

Analysis of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)- and Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS)-regulated gene expression patterns

PURPOSE

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a progressive, degenerative, complex autosomal recessive disease characterized by cerebellar degeneration, immunodeficiency, premature aging, radiosensitivity, and a predisposition to cancer. Mutations in the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (atm) gene, which phosphorylates downstream effector proteins, are linked to A-T. One of the proteins phosphorylated by the ATM protein is Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome protein (NBS, p95/nibrin), which was recently shown to be encoded by a gene mutated in the Nijmegen breakage syndrome (nbs), an autosomal recessive disease with a phenotype virtually similar to that of A-T. The similarities in the clinical and cellular features of NBS and A-T have led us to hypothesize that the two corresponding gene products may function in similar ways in the cellular signaling pathway. Thus, we sought to identify genes whose expression is mediated by the atm and nbs gene products.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To identify genes, we performed an analysis of oligonucleotide microarrays using the appropriate cell lines, isogenic A-T (ATM-) and control cells (ATM+), and isogenic NBS (NBS-) and control cells (NBS+).

RESULTS

We examined genes regulated by ATM and NBS, respectively. To determine the effect of ATM and NBS on gene expression in detail, we classified these genes into different functional categories, including those involved in apoptosis, cell cycle/DNA replication, growth/differentiation, signal transduction, cell-cell adhesion, and metabolism. In addition, we compared the genes regulated by the ATM and NBS to determine the relationship of their signaling pathways and to better understand their functional relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that, while ATM and NBS regulate several genes in common, both of these proteins also have distinct patterns of gene regulation, findings consistent with the functional overlap and distinctiveness of these two conditions. Due to the role of ATM and NBS in tumor suppression and the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, these findings may assist in the development of a more rational approach to cancer treatment, as well as a better understanding of tumorigenesis.

Increased cancer risk of heterozygotes withNBS1 germline mutations in poland

It has been suggested based on familial data that Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) heterozygotes have an increased risk of malignant tumors. We found 15 carriers of the 657del5 mutation and 8 carriers of the R215W molecular variant of the NBS1 gene among 1,289 consecutive patients from Central Poland with various cancers and only 10 and 4 such carriers, respectively, in 1,620 controls from this region. Most of the 657del5 mutation carriers were found among patients with melanoma (4/105), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (2/42) and breast cancer (4/224) and of the 234 patients with colorectal carcinoma 3 carried the 657del5 mutation and 3 others the R215W molecular variant. The frequencies of 657del5 mutation carriers among patients with melanoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and of R215W carriers in patients with colorectal cancer were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.01, < 0.05 and < 0.05 respectively). The pooled frequencies of 657del5 and R215W mutations in all cancer patients were also significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.05). Two carriers of the 657del5 mutation had second primary tumors. Malignant tumors among parents and siblings of 657del5 mutation carriers (14/77) were twice more frequent than in population controls. Three carriers of this mutation (2 probands with melanoma) reported melanoma in relatives. These results suggest strongly that NBS1 heterozygosity may be associated with elevated risk of some cancers. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the high frequency of germline NBS1 mutations on the cancer burden in the Slav populations.

Death and more: DNA damage response pathways in the nematode C. elegans

Genotoxic stress is a threat to our cells' genome integrity. Failure to repair DNA lesions properly after the induction of cell proliferation arrest can lead to mutations or large-scale genomic instability. Because such changes may have tumorigenic potential, damaged cells are often eliminated via apoptosis. Loss of this apoptotic response is actually one of the hallmarks of cancer. Towards the effort to elucidate the DNA damage-induced signaling steps leading to these biological events, an easily accessible model system is required, where the acquired knowledge can reveal the mechanisms underlying more complex organisms. Accumulating evidence coming from studies in Caenorhabditis elegans point to its usefulness as such. In the worm's germline, DNA damage can induce both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, two responses that are spatially separated. The latter is a tightly controlled process that is genetically indistinguishable from developmental programmed cell death. Upstream of the central death machinery, components of the DNA damage signaling cascade lie and act either as sensors of the lesion or as transducers of the initial signal detected. This review summarizes the findings of several studies that specify the elements of the DNA damage-induced responses, as components of the cell cycle control machinery, the repairing process or the apoptotic outcome. The validity of C. elegans as a tool to further dissect the complex signaling network of these responses and the high potential for it to reveal important links to cancer and other genetic abnormalities are addressed.

Checkpoint Failure and Chromosomal Instability without Lymphomagenesis in Mre11ATLD1/ATLD1 Mice

In this study, mice expressing one of the two Mre11 alleles inherited in the human ataxia-telangiectasia like disorder (A-TLD) were derived. The mutation had a profound maternal effect on embryonic viability, revealing an acute requirement for Mre11 complex function in early embryogenesis. Mre11(ATLD1/ATLD1) mice exhibited several indices of impaired ATM function. The mice also exhibited pronounced chromosomal instability. Despite this phenotypic spectrum, the animals were not prone to malignancy. These data indicate that defective cell cycle checkpoints and chromosomal instability are insufficient to significantly enhance the initiation of tumorigenesis. In contrast, the latency of malignancy in p53(+/-) mice was dramatically reduced. We propose that in Mre11(ATLD1/ATLD1) mice, genome instability and cell cycle checkpoint defects reduce viability in early embryos and in proliferating cells, while promoting malignancy in the context of an initiating lesion.

Role of the ceramide-signaling pathways in ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis

Ionizing radiations (IR) exposure leads to damage on several cellular targets. How signals from different targets are integrated to determine the cell fate remains a controversial issue. Understanding the pathway(s) responsible(s) for the cell killing effect of the IR exposure is of prime importance in light of using radiations as anticancer agent or as diagnostic tool. In this study, we have established that IR-induced cell damage initiates two independent signaling pathways that lead to a biphasic intracellular ceramide increase. A transitory increase of ceramide is observed within minutes after IR exposure as a consequence of DNA damage-independent acid sphingomyelinase activation. Several hours after irradiation, a second wave of ceramide accumulation is observed depending on the DNA damage-dependent activation of ceramide synthase, which requires a signaling pathway involving ATM. Importantly, we have demonstrated that the late ceramide accumulation is also dependent on the first one and is rate limiting for the apoptotic process induced by IR. In conclusion, our observations suggest that ceramide is a major determinant of the IR-induced apoptotic process at the cross-point of different signal transduction pathways.

Regulation of Mre11/Rad50 by Nbs1: effects on nucleotide-dependent DNA binding and association with ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder mutant complexes

The Mre11/Rad50 complex is a critical component of the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks, in organisms ranging from archaebacteria to humans. In mammalian cells, Mre11/Rad50 (M/R) associates with a third component, Nbs1, that regulates its activities and is targeted by signaling pathways that initiate DNA damage-induced checkpoint responses. Mutations in the genes that encode Nbs1 and Mre11 are responsible for the human radiation sensitivity disorders Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) and ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder (ATLD), respectively, which are characterized by defective checkpoint responses and high levels of chromosomal abnormalities. Here we demonstrate nucleotide-dependent DNA binding by the human M/R complex that requires the Nbs1 protein and is specific for double-strand DNA duplexes. Efficient DNA binding is only observed with non-hydrolyzable analogs of ATP, suggesting that ATP hydrolysis normally effects DNA release. The alleles of MRE11 associated with ATLD and the C-terminal Nbs1 polypeptide associated with NBS were expressed with the other components and found to form triple complexes except in the case of ATLD 3/4, which exhibits variability in Nbs1 association. The ATLD 1/2, ATLD 3/4, and p70 M/R/N complexes exhibit nucleotide-dependent DNA binding and exonuclease activity equivalent to the wild-type enzyme, although the ATLD complexes both show reduced activity in endonuclease assays. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis of the recombinant human complexes indicates that Mre11 is a stable dimer, Mre11 and Nbs1 form a 1:1 complex, and both M/R and M/R/N form large multimeric assemblies of approximately 1.2 MDa. Models of M/R/N stoichiometry in light of this and previous data are discussed.

Analysis of secondary V(D)J rearrangements in mature, peripheral T cells of ataxia-telangiectasia heterozygotes

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare recessive disease with pleiotropic involvement of the nervous and lymphoid systems. AT heterozygotes have a population frequency of about 1%, and although not manifesting any overt clinical symptoms, they have an increased mortality, mainly because of cancer and ischemic heart disease. We and others have described a mature T lymphocyte population with an altered T cell receptor surface expression ("TCR variant") that reactivates the recombination activating genes (RAG) and is expanded in the blood of patients with AT. In view of the known role of V(D)J recombination in the onset of tumorigenic translocations, we proposed that the increased RAG activity was responsible for the predisposition of AT homozygotes to develop mature-type T leukemia/lymphoma. In the present report, we used cytofluorimetry to quantify the TCR variant population and the memory/naïve T-cell compartments in the blood of AT heterozygotes compared with AT patients and controls. We assessed the expression of different recombinase genes through RT-PCR/oligotyping and cytofluorometric analysis and searched for rearrangement intermediates by ligase-mediated PCR in T-cell lines from four heterozygous carriers. We found the TCR variant population was increased on average 2x in AT heterozygotes (vs 10x in homozygotes) compared with controls, and naïve CD4(+) T lymphocytes were reduced on average 0.5x (vs 0.1x in homozygotes). We were able to demonstrate recombinase gene expression in all four heterozygous T-cell lines, and rearrangement intermediates, indicative of ongoing V(D)J recombination, in two. These rearrangements were compatible with V-gene replacement, a mechanism of receptor editing described for Ig and TCRalpha genes, to our knowledge not previously documented for TCRbeta. In conclusion, we found that RAG reactivation and secondary V(D)J rearrangements, potential risk factors of mature-type leukemia in AT homozygotes, also take place in AT heterozygous carriers and might place this large population fraction at an increased risk of leukemia/lymphoma.

Differential involvement of the hMRE11/hRAD50/NBS1 complex, BRCA1 and MLH1 in NF-kappaB activation by camptothecin and X-ray

Camptothecin (CPT) and X-ray (XR) generate double-strand breaks (DSB) that can be processed by homologous or nonhomologous recombination. We studied the participation of proteins involved in recombination pathways and cell cycle control in the signal transduction between DNA damage and NF-kappaB. Cells harbouring mutated NBS, hMRE11, BRCA1 or MLH1 were analysed. NBS- and hMRE11-deficient cells present a classical kinetic of NF-kappaB induction after camptothecin treatment. When DSB are generated by XR, NBS-deficient cells exhibit a delayed and strongly reduced level of NF-kappaB induction, whereas the hMRE11 mutated cells do not induce NF-kappaB at all. This indicates an important role of the hMRE11/hRAD50/NBS complex in the signal transduction initiated by XR. In HCC1937 cells that express a truncated version of BRCA1, XR induces a very rapid and transient NF-kappaB activation, whereas CPT leads to a delayed activation suggesting that BRCA1 modulates the transduction pathways in different manners after these two stresses. Finally, we found that a proficient MMR pathway is essential to the NF-kappaB activation after both CPT and XR. These results indicate that DSB originating from XR or CPT do not induce NF-kappaB in a unique way. MMR participates in both cascades, whereas the hMRE11/hRAD50/NBS trimer is specifically involved in the response elicited by XR.

Molecular characterization of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe nbs1+ gene involved in DNA repair and telomere maintenance

The human MRN complex is a multisubunit nuclease that is composed of Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 and is involved in homologous recombination and DNA damage checkpoints. Mutations of the MRN genes cause genetic disorders such as Nijmegen breakage syndrome. Here we identified a Schizosaccharomyces pombe nbs1(+) homologue by screening for mutants with mutations that caused methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) sensitivity and were synthetically lethal with the rad2Delta mutation. Nbs1 physically interacts with the C-terminal half of Rad32, the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mre11 homologue, in a yeast two-hybrid assay. nbs1 mutants showed sensitivities to gamma-rays, UV, MMS, and hydroxyurea and displayed telomere shortening similar to the characteristics of rad32 and rad50 mutants. nbs1, rad32, and rad50 mutant cells were elongated and exhibited abnormal nuclear morphology. These findings indicate that S. pombe Nbs1 forms a complex with Rad32-Rad50 and is required for homologous recombination repair, telomere length regulation, and the maintenance of chromatin structure. Amino acid sequence features and some characteristics of the DNA repair function suggest that the S. pombe Rad32-Rad50-Nbs1 complex has functional similarity to the corresponding MRN complexes of higher eukaryotes. Therefore, S. pombe Nbs1 will provide an additional model system for studying the molecular function of the MRN complex associated with genetic diseases.

The fission yeast Rad32 (Mre11)-Rad50-Nbs1 complex is required for the S-phase DNA damage checkpoint

Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 form a conserved heterotrimeric complex that is involved in recombination and DNA damage checkpoints. Mutations in this complex disrupt the S-phase DNA damage checkpoint, the checkpoint which slows replication in response to DNA damage, and cause chromosome instability and cancer in humans. However, how these proteins function and specifically where they act in the checkpoint signaling pathway remain crucial questions. We identified fission yeast Nbs1 by using a comparative genomic approach and showed that the genes for human Nbs1 and fission yeast Nbs1 and that for their budding yeast counterpart, Xrs2, are members of an evolutionarily related but rapidly diverging gene family. Fission yeast Nbs1, Rad32 (the homolog of Mre11), and Rad50 are involved in DNA damage repair, telomere regulation, and the S-phase DNA damage checkpoint. However, they are not required for G(2) DNA damage checkpoint. Our results suggest that a complex of Rad32, Rad50, and Nbs1 acts specifically in the S-phase branch of the DNA damage checkpoint and is not involved in general DNA damage recognition or signaling.

Molecular disruption of the MRN(95) complex induces radiation sensitivity in head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The goal of the project was to develop a novel treatment strategy for head and neck cancer that induces radiation sensitivity. We hypothesized that the normal cellular DNA repair response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after radiation therapy can be blocked by a dominant negative disruption of the functioning MRN(95) protein complex. To test this hypothesis, we have developed a novel molecular therapy that inhibits the MRN(95) complex in tumor cells. Disruption the MRN(95) complex and thus DNA repair should result in enhanced tumor killing after classic external-beam radiation therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Experiments with human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines in vitro were performed.

METHODS

Recombinant adenovirus vectors carrying the genes for enhancing radiation were generated. Human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells were treated with recombinant adenovirus vectors carrying the mutated p95 gene (p95-300), which contains the C-terminus 300 amino acids of the Nbs1(p95) protein. Tumor cells were also treated with adenovirus vector carrying full-length p95 protein or DL312 control virus; then all cell lines were subjected to 2 Gy irradiation. Cell growth curves were determined through colorimetric tetrazolium salt assay.

RESULTS

Both the Ad-p95-300 and Ad-p94-his (full-length wild-type gene) demonstrated significant antitumor effect alone and in combination with radiation therapy compared with control samples. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated a shift toward the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Analysis of telomerase activity demonstrated a significant decrease in telomerase activity after molecular therapy alone, and a greater decrease when combined with radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Adenovirus-mediated mutant or full-length p95 molecular therapy demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. This novel molecular therapy strategy induced significant radiation sensitization, induced a relative G2/M arrest, and decreased telomerase activity, all of which enhance the benefit of radiation therapy.

An overactivated ATR/CHK1 pathway is responsible for the prolonged G2 accumulation in irradiated AT cells

Induction of checkpoint responses in G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle after exposure of cells to ionizing radiation (IR) is essential for maintaining genomic integrity. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) plays a key role in initiating this response in all three phases of the cell cycle. However, cells lacking functional ATM exhibit a prolonged G2 arrest after IR, suggesting regulation by an ATM-independent checkpoint response. The mechanism for this ataxia telangiectasia (AT)-independent G2-checkpoint response remains unknown. We report here that the G2 checkpoint in irradiated human AT cells derives from an overactivation of the ATR/CHK1 pathway. Chk1 small interfering RNA abolishes the IR-induced prolonged G2 checkpoint and radiosensitizes AT cells to killing. These results link the activation of ATR/CHK1 with the prolonged G2 arrest in AT cells and show that activation of this G2 checkpoint contributes to the survival of AT cells.

Variations in ATM protein expression during normal lymphoid differentiation and among B-cell-derived neoplasias

The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein plays a central role in the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Developmentally programmed DSBs are restricted to cellular subsets within lymphoid tissues and we asked whether ATM expression is differentially regulated during lymphoid differentiation. We showed that immature B cells in bone marrow and immature T cells of the thymic cortex were negative or weakly ATM-positive. T cells of thymic medulla and peripheral tissues strongly expressed ATM. High levels of ATM were present in the B lymphocytes of the mantle zone and in plasma cells, while the majority of germinal center B cells were negative or weakly labeled. Therefore, ATM expression appears to be down-regulated at those stages of lymphoid development where physiological DNA DSBs occur. In B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma we observed two categories: ATM-negative tumors, most likely reflecting the presence of ATM mutation, and tumors with abundant ATM expression. Most follicular center-cell lymphomas and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, which rarely show inactivation of the ATM gene, were negative or weakly ATM-positive. Tumor cells from most cases of Hodgkin's disease were ATM-negative. Therefore, unless ATM inactivation occurs, ATM expression in lymphoid tumors is likely to reflect their cellular origin. As a result, immunostaining to identify lymphoid neoplasias with ATM inactivation might only be feasible for tumors derived from the stages where ATM is constitutively highly expressed.

657del5 mutation in the gene for Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS1) in a cohort of Russian children with lymphoid tissue malignancies and controls

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS, OMIM 251260) is a rare hereditary disease, characterized by immune deficiency, microcephaly, and an extremely high incidence of lymphoid tissue malignancies. The gene mutated in NBS, NBS1, was recently cloned from its location on chromosome 8q21. The encoded protein, nibrin (p95), together with hMre11 and hRad50, is involved in the double-strand DNA break repair system. We screened two Russian cohorts for the 657del5 NBS1 mutation and found no carriers in 548 controls and two carriers in 68 patients with lymphoid malignancies: one with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and one with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Several relatives of the second patient, who were carriers of the same mutation, had cancer (ALL, breast cancer, GI cancers). These preliminary data suggest that NBS1 mutation carriers can be predisposed to malignant disorders.

Toward maintaining the genome: DNA damage and replication checkpoints

DNA checkpoints play a significant role in cancer pathology, perhaps most notably in maintaining genome stability. This review summarizes the genetic and molecular mechanisms of checkpoint activation in response to DNA damage. The major checkpoint proteins common to all eukaryotes are identified and discussed, together with how the checkpoint proteins interact to induce arrest within each cell cycle phase. Also discussed are the molecular signals that activate checkpoint responses, including single-strand DNA, double-strand breaks, and aberrant replication forks. We address the connection between checkpoint proteins and damage repair mechanisms, how cells recover from an arrest response, and additional roles that checkpoint proteins play in DNA metabolism. Finally, the connection between checkpoint gene mutation and genomic instability is considered.

Identification of a topoisomerase I mutant, scsA1, as an extragenic suppressor of a mutation in scaA(NBS1), the apparent homolog of human nibrin in Aspergillus nidulans

The Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 protein complex has emerged as a central player in the human cellular DNA damage response, and recent observations suggest that these proteins are at least partially responsible for the linking of DNA damage detection to DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint functions. Mutations in scaA(NBS1), which encodes the apparent homolog of human nibrin in Aspergillus nidulans, inhibit growth in the presence of the antitopoisomerase I drug camptothecin. This article describes the selection and characterization of extragenic suppressors of the scaA1 mutation, with the aim of identifying other proteins that interfere with the pathway or complex in which the ScaA would normally be involved. Fifteen extragenic suppressors of the scaA1 mutation were isolated. The topoisomerase I gene can complement one of these suppressors. Synergistic interaction between the scaA(NBS1) and scsA(TOP1) genes in the presence of DNA-damaging agents was observed. Overexpression of topoisomerase I in the scaA1 mutant causes increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. The scsA(TOP1) and the scaA(NBS1) gene products could functionally interact in pathways that either monitor or repair DNA double-strand breaks.

Different roles of the Mre11 complex in the DNA damage response in Aspergillus nidulans

The Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 protein complex has emerged as a central player in the cellular DNA damage response. Mutations in scaANBS1, which encodes the apparent homologue of human Nbs1 in Aspergillus nidulans, inhibit growth in the presence of the anti-topoisomerase I drug camptothecin. We have used the scaANBS1 cDNA as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid screening and report the identification of the A. nidulans Mre11 homologue (mreA). The inactivated mreA strain was more sensitive to several DNA damaging and oxidative stress agents. Septation in A. nidulans is dependent not only on the uvsBATR gene, but also on the mre11 complex. scaANBS1 and mreA genes are both involved in the DNA replication checkpoint whereas mreA is specifically involved in the intra-S-phase checkpoint. ScaANBS1 also participates in G2-M checkpoint control upon DNA damage caused by MMS. In addition, the scaANBS1 gene is also important for ascospore viability, whereas mreA is required for successful meiosis in A. nidulans. Consistent with this view, the Mre11 complex and the uvsCRAD51 gene are highly expressed at the mRNA level during the sexual development.

Chromium (VI) activates ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein. Requirement of ATM for both apoptosis and recovery from terminal growth arrest

The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein plays a central role in early stages of DNA double strand break (DSB) detection and controls cellular responses to this damage. Although hypersensitive to ionizing radiation-induced clonogenic lethality, ataxia telangiectasia cells are paradoxically deficient in their ability to undergo ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis. This contradiction illustrates the complexity of the central role of ATM in DNA damage response and the need for further understanding. Certain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds are implicated as occupational respiratory carcinogens at doses that are both genotoxic and cytotoxic. Cr(VI) induces a broad spectrum of DNA damage, but Cr(VI)-induced DSBs have not been reported. Here, we examined the role of ATM in the cellular response to Cr(VI) and found that Cr(VI) activates ATM. We also show that physiological targets of ATM, p53 Ser-15 and Chk2 Thr-68, were phosphorylated by Cr(VI) exposure in an ATM-dependent fashion. We found that ATM-/- cells were markedly resistant to Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis but considerably more sensitive to Cr(VI)-induced clonogenic lethality than wild type cells, indicating that resistance to Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis did not confer a selective survival advantage. However, analysis of long term growth arrest revealed a striking difference: ATM-/- cells were markedly less able to recover from Cr(VI)-induced growth arrest. This indicates that terminal growth arrest is the fate of these apoptosis-resistant cells. In summary, ATM is involved in cellular response to a complex genotoxin that may not directly induce DSBs. Our data suggest that ATM is a major signal initiator for genotoxin-induced apoptosis but, paradoxically, also contributes to maintenance of cell survival by facilitating recovery/escape from terminal growth arrest. The results also strongly suggest that terminal growth arrest is not merely an extended or even irreversible form of checkpoint arrest, but instead an independent and unique cell fate pathway.

Ionizing radiation-induced Rad51 nuclear focus formation is cell cycle-regulated and defective in both ATM(-/-) and c-Abl(-/-) cells

In eukaryotes, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can be repaired by either non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR) pathways. Rad50 protein is a component of the Rad50/NBS1/Mre11 nuclease complex that functions in both the NHEJ and recombinational repair of DNA DSBs. On the other hand, Rad51 protein, a homolog of bacterial RecA and a member of the Rad52 epistasis group, plays a crucial role exclusively in the recombinational repair pathway. We analyzed the effects of cell cycle progression and genetic background on the ionizing radiation (IR)-induced Rad51 and Rad50 repair focus formation. Herein, we demonstrated that IR-induced Rad51, but not Rad50, nuclear focus formation was cell cycle-dependent. Furthermore, IR-induced Rad51 focus formation was defective in AT and c-Abl(-/-) cells, but not wild type or NBS cells. A decreased and delayed formation of Rad51 foci-containing nuclei was observed in AT cells upon IR, whereas in c-Abl(-/-) cells a decreased but not delayed formation of Rad51 foci-containing nuclei was observed. In conclusion, effective and prompt IR-induced Rad51 focus formation is cell cycle-regulated and requires both ATM and c-Abl.

The V(D)J recombination/DNA repair factor artemis belongs to the metallo-beta-lactamase family and constitutes a critical developmental checkpoint of the lymphoid system

V(D)J recombination constitutes a critical checkpoint in the development of the immune system as shown in several animal models as well as severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) condition in humans. We recently cloned the Artemis gene, whose mutations are responsible for RS-SCID, a condition characterized by an absence of both B and T lymphocytes and associated with increased sensitivity to ionizing radiations. Artemis is ubiquitously expressed and is localized in the nucleus. Artemis belongs to the metallo-beta-lactamase superfamily and defines a new group, beta-CASP, within this family. beta-CASP proteins are beta-lactamases acting on nucleic acids. While RS-SCID patients harbor Artemis loss-of-function mutations, we identified four patients with a combined immunodeficiency characterized by a low but detectable number of both B and T lymphocytes caused by hypomorphic mutations in the Artemis gene. Two of these patients developed aggressive B cell lymphomas, a condition that suggests Artemis may be considered a "caretaker" factor, similarly to the other V(D)J recombination/DNA repair actors.

Nonhomologous end joining and V(D)J recombination require an additional factor

DNA nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) is the major pathway for repairing DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian cells. It also functions to carry out rearrangements at the specialized breaks introduced during V(D)J recombination. Here, we describe a patient with T(-)B(-) severe combined immunodeficiency, whose cells have defects closely resembling those of NHEJ-defective rodent cells. Cells derived from this patient show dramatic radiosensitivity, decreased double-strand break rejoining, and reduced fidelity in signal and coding joint formation during V(D)J recombination. Detailed examination indicates that the patient is defective neither in the known factors involved in NHEJ in mammals (Ku70, Ku80, DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit, Xrcc4, DNA ligase IV, or Artemis) nor in the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 complex, whose homologue in Saccharomyces cerevisiae functions in NHEJ. These results provide strong evidence that additional activities are crucial for NHEJ and V(D)J recombination in mammals.

MDC1 is required for the intra-S-phase DNA damage checkpoint

MRE11, RAD50 and NBS1 form a highly conserved protein complex (the MRE11 complex) that is involved in the detection, signalling and repair of DNA damage. We identify MDC1 (KIAA0170/NFBD1), a protein that contains a forkhead-associated (FHA) domain and two BRCA1 carboxy-terminal (BRCT) domains, as a binding partner for the MRE11 complex. We show that, in response to ionizing radiation, MDC1 is hyperphosphorylated in an ATM-dependent manner, and rapidly relocalizes to nuclear foci that also contain the MRE11 complex, phosphorylated histone H2AX and 53BP1. Downregulation of MDC1 expression by small interfering RNA yields a radio-resistant DNA synthesis (RDS) phenotype and prevents ionizing radiation-induced focus formation by the MRE11 complex. However, downregulation of MDC1 does not abolish the ionizing radiation-induced phosphorylation of NBS1, CHK2 and SMC1, or the degradation of CDC25A. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of the MDC1 FHA domain interferes with focus formation by MDC1 itself and by the MRE11 complex, and induces an RDS phenotype. These findings reveal that MDC1-mediated focus formation by the MRE11 complex at sites of DNA damage is crucial for the efficient activation of the intra-S-phase checkpoint.

The role of p53 in determining sensitivity to radiotherapy

Ionizing radiation (IR) has proven to be a powerful medical treatment in the fight against cancer. Rational and effective use of its killing power depends on understanding IR-mediated responses at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. Tumour cells frequently acquire defects in the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the response to IR, which sensitizes them to radiation therapy. One of the key molecules involved in a cell's response to IR is p53. Understanding these mechanisms indicates new rational approaches to improving cancer treatment by IR.

Molecular anatomy of the DNA damage and replication checkpoints

Cell cycle checkpoints are signal transduction pathways that enforce the orderly execution of the cell division cycle and arrest the cell cycle upon the occurrence of undesirable events, such as DNA damage, replication stress, and spindle disruption. The primary function of the cell cycle checkpoint is to ensure that the integrity of chromosomal DNA is maintained. DNA lesions and disrupted replication forks are thought to be recognized by the DNA damage checkpoint and replication checkpoint, respectively. Both checkpoints initiate protein kinase-based signal transduction cascade to activate downstream effectors that elicit cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, or apoptosis that is often dependent on dose and cell type. These actions prevent the conversion of aberrant DNA structures into inheritable mutations and minimize the survival of cells with unrepairable damage. Genetic components of the damage and replication checkpoints have been identified in yeast and humans, and a working model is beginning to emerge. We summarize recent advances in the DNA damage and replication checkpoints and discuss the essential functions of the proteins involved in the checkpoint responses.