Sequence context-dependent replication of DNA templates containing UV-induced lesions by human DNA polymerase iota

Polymerase iota plays a key role during translesion synthesis of UV-induced lesions in the absence of polymerase eta

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) variant cells are deficient in the translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerase Polη (eta). This protein contributes to DNA damage tolerance, bypassing unrepaired UV photoproducts and allowing S-phase progression with minimal delay. In the absence of Polη, backup polymerases perform TLS of UV lesions. However, which polymerase plays this role in human cells remains an open question. Here, we investigated the potential role of Polι (iota) in bypassing ultraviolet (UV) induced photoproducts in the absence of Polη, using NER-deficient (XP-C) cells knocked down for Polι and/or Polη genes. Our results indicate that cells lacking either Polι or Polη have increased sensitivity to UVC radiation. The lack of both TLS polymerases led to increased cell death and defects in proliferation and migration. Loss of both polymerases induces a significant replication fork arrest and G1/S-phase blockage, compared to the lack of Polη alone. In conclusion, we propose that Polι acts as a bona fide backup for Polη in the TLS of UV-photoproducts.

Genomic mutation landscape of skin cancers from DNA repair-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum patients

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes of the Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) pathway (groups A-G) or in Translesion Synthesis DNA polymerase η (V). XP is associated with an increased skin cancer risk, reaching, for some groups, several thousand-fold compared to the general population. Here, we analyze 38 skin cancer genomes from five XP groups. We find that the activity of NER determines heterogeneity of the mutation rates across skin cancer genomes and that transcription-coupled NER extends beyond the gene boundaries reducing the intergenic mutation rate. Mutational profile in XP-V tumors and experiments with POLH knockout cell line reveal the role of polymerase η in the error-free bypass of (i) rare TpG and TpA DNA lesions, (ii) 3' nucleotides in pyrimidine dimers, and (iii) TpT photodimers. Our study unravels the genetic basis of skin cancer risk in XP and provides insights into the mechanisms reducing UV-induced mutagenesis in the general population.

DNA Damage Tolerance Pathways in Human Cells: A Potential Therapeutic Target

DNA lesions arising from both exogenous and endogenous sources occur frequently in DNA. During DNA replication, the presence of unrepaired DNA damage in the template can arrest replication fork progression, leading to fork collapse, double-strand break formation, and to genome instability. To facilitate completion of replication and prevent the generation of strand breaks, DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathways play a key role in allowing replication to proceed in the presence of lesions in the template. The two main DDT pathways are translesion synthesis (TLS), which involves the recruitment of specialized TLS polymerases to the site of replication arrest to bypass lesions, and homology-directed damage tolerance, which includes the template switching and fork reversal pathways. With some exceptions, lesion bypass by TLS polymerases is a source of mutagenesis, potentially contributing to the development of cancer. The capacity of TLS polymerases to bypass replication-blocking lesions induced by anti-cancer drugs such as cisplatin can also contribute to tumor chemoresistance. On the other hand, during homology-directed DDT the nascent sister strand is transiently utilised as a template for replication, allowing for error-free lesion bypass. Given the role of DNA damage tolerance pathways in replication, mutagenesis and chemoresistance, a more complete understanding of these pathways can provide avenues for therapeutic exploitation. A number of small molecule inhibitors of TLS polymerase activity have been identified that show synergy with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in killing cancer cells. In this review, we will summarize the major DDT pathways, explore the relationship between damage tolerance and carcinogenesis, and discuss the potential of targeting TLS polymerases as a therapeutic approach.

Identification and Characterization of Thermostable Y-Family DNA Polymerases η, ι, κ and Rev1 From a Lower Eukaryote, Thermomyces lanuginosus

Y-family DNA polymerases (pols) consist of six phylogenetically separate subfamilies; two UmuC (polV) branches, DinB (pol IV, Dpo4, polκ), Rad30A/POLH (polη), and Rad30B/POLI (polι) and Rev1. Of these subfamilies, DinB orthologs are found in all three domains of life; eubacteria, archaea, and eukarya. UmuC orthologs are identified only in bacteria, whilst Rev1 and Rad30A/B orthologs are only detected in eukaryotes. Within eukaryotes, a wide array of evolutionary diversity exists. Humans possess all four Y-family pols (pols η, ι, κ, and Rev1), Schizosaccharomyces pombe has three Y-family pols (pols η, κ, and Rev1), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae only has polη and Rev1. Here, we report the cloning, expression, and biochemical characterization of the four Y-family pols from the lower eukaryotic thermophilic fungi, Thermomyces lanuginosus. Apart from the expected increased thermostability of the T. lanuginosus Y-family pols, their major biochemical properties are very similar to properties of their human counterparts. In particular, both Rad30B homologs (T. lanuginosus and human polɩ) exhibit remarkably low fidelity during DNA synthesis that is template sequence dependent. It was previously hypothesized that higher organisms had acquired this property during eukaryotic evolution, but these observations imply that polι originated earlier than previously known, suggesting a critical cellular function in both lower and higher eukaryotes.

Translesion synthesis of the major nitrogen mustard-induced DNA lesion by human DNA polymerase η

Nitrogen mustards are among the first modern anticancer chemotherapeutics that are still widely used as non-specific anticancer alkylating agents. While the mechanism of action of mustard drugs involves the generation of DNA interstrand cross-links, the predominant lesions produced by these drugs are nitrogen half-mustard-N7-dG (NHMG) adducts. The bulky major groove lesion NHMG, if left unrepaired, can be bypassed by translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases. However, studies of the TLS past NHMG have not been reported so far. Here, we present the first synthesis of an oligonucleotide containing a site-specific NHMG. We also report kinetic and structural characterization of human DNA polymerase η (polη) bypassing NHMG. The templating NHMG slows dCTP incorporation ∼130-fold, while it increases the misincorporation frequency ∼10-30-fold, highlighting the promutagenic nature of NHMG. A crystal structure of polη incorporating dCTP opposite NHMG shows a Watson-Crick NHMG:dCTP base pair with a large propeller twist angle. The nitrogen half-mustard moiety fits snugly into an open cleft created by the Arg61-Trp64 loop of polη, suggesting a role of the Arg61-Trp64 loop in accommodating bulky major groove adducts during lesion bypass. Overall, our results presented here to provide first insights into the TLS of the major DNA adduct formed by nitrogen mustard drugs.

Evaluation and modulation of DNA lesion bypass in an SV40 large T antigen-based in vitro replication system

DNA damage removal by nucleotide excision repair (NER) and replicative bypass via translesion synthesis (TLS) and template switch (TSw) are important in ensuring genome stability. In this study, we tested the applicability of an SV40 large T antigen‐based replication system for the simultaneous examination of these damage tolerance processes. Using both Sanger and next‐generation sequencing combined with lesion‐specific qPCR and replication efficiency studies, we demonstrate that this system works well for studying NER and TLS, especially its one‐polymerase branch, while it is less suited to investigations of homology‐related repair processes, such as TSw. Cis‐syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photoproducts were replicated with equal efficiency to lesion‐free plasmids in vitro, and the majority of TLS on this lesion could be inhibited by a peptide (PIR) specific for the polη‐PCNA interaction interface. TLS on 6–4 pyrimidine–pyrimidone photoproduct proved to be inefficient and was slightly facilitated by PIR as well as by a recombinant ubiquitin‐binding zinc finger domain of polη in HeLa extract, possibly by promoting polymerase exchange. Supplementation of the extract with recombinant PCNA variants indicated the dependence of TLS on PCNA ubiquitylation. In contrast to active TLS and NER, we found no evidence of successful TSw in cellular extracts. The established methods can promote in vitro investigations of replicative DNA damage bypass.

Mysterious and fascinating: DNA polymerase ɩ remains enigmatic 20 years after its discovery

With the publication of the first paper describing the biochemical properties of DNA polymerase iota (polɩ), the question immediately arose as to why cells harbor such a low-fidelity enzyme which often violates the Watson-Crick base pairing rules? Yet 20 years after its discovery, the cellular function of polɩ remains unknown. Here, we provide a graphical review of the unique biochemical properties of polɩ and speculate about the cellular pathways in which enigmatic polɩ may participate.

Whole-exome sequencing reveals the impact of UVA light mutagenesis in xeroderma pigmentosum variant human cells

UVA-induced mutagenesis was investigated in human pol eta-deficient (XP-V) cells through whole-exome sequencing. In UVA-irradiated cells, the increase in the mutation frequency in deficient cells included a remarkable contribution of C>T transitions, mainly at potential pyrimidine dimer sites. A strong contribution of C>A transversions, potentially due to oxidized bases, was also observed in non-irradiated XP-V cells, indicating that basal mutagenesis caused by oxidative stress may be related to internal tumours in XP-V patients. The low levels of mutations involving T induced by UVA indicate that pol eta is not responsible for correctly replicating T-containing pyrimidine dimers, a phenomenon known as the ‘A-rule’. Moreover, the mutation signature profile of UVA-irradiated XP-V cells is highly similar to the human skin cancer profile, revealing how studies involving cells deficient in DNA damage processing may be useful to understand the mechanisms of environmentally induced carcinogenesis.

Effect of sequence context on Polζ-dependent error-prone extension past (6-4) photoproducts

The (6-4) pyrimidine-pyrimidone photoproduct [(6-4)PP] is a major DNA lesion induced by ultraviolet radiation. (6-4)PP induces complex mutations opposite its downstream bases, in addition to opposite 3' or 5' base, as has been observed through a site-specific translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) assay. The mechanism by which these mutations occur is not well understood. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying mutagenesis induced by (6-4)PP, we performed an intracellular TLS assay using a replicative vector with site-specific T(thymidine)-T (6-4)PP. Rev3^-/-p53^-/- mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells (defective in Polζ) were almost completely defective in bypassing T-T (6-4)PP, whereas both Rev1^-/- and Polh^-/-Poli^-/-Polk^-/- MEF cells (defective in Polη, Polι, and Polκ) presented bypassing activity comparable to that of wild-type cells, indicating that Y-family TLS polymerases are dispensable for bypassing activity, whereas Polζ plays an essential role, probably at the extension step. Among all cells tested, misincorporation occurred most frequently just beyond the lesion (position +1), indicating that the Polζ-dependent extension step is crucial for (6-4)PP-induced mutagenesis. We then examined the effects of sequence context on T-T (6-4)PP bypass using a series of T-T (6-4)PP templates with different sequences at position +1 or -1 to the lesion, and found that the dependency of T-T (6-4)PP bypass on Polζ is not sequence specific. However, the misincorporation frequency at position +1 differed significantly among these templates. The misincorporation of A at position +1 occurred frequently when a purine base was located at position -1. These results indicate that Polζ-dependent extension plays a major role in inducing base substitutions in (6-4)PP-induced mutagenesis, and its fidelity is affected by sequence context surrounding a lesion.

Polymerase iota - an odd sibling among Y family polymerases

It has been two decades since the discovery of the most mutagenic human DNA polymerase, polymerase iota (Polι). Since then, the biochemical activity of this translesion synthesis (TLS) enzyme has been extensively explored, mostly through in vitro experiments, with some insight into its cellular activity. Polι is one of four members of the Y-family of polymerases, which are the best characterized DNA damage-tolerant polymerases involved in TLS. Polι shares some common Y-family features, including low catalytic efficiency and processivity, high infidelity, the ability to bypass some DNA lesions, and a deficiency in 3'→5' exonucleolytic proofreading. However, Polι exhibits numerous properties unique among the Y-family enzymes. Polι has an unusual catalytic pocket structure and prefers Hoogsteen over Watson-Crick pairing, and its replication fidelity strongly depends on the template; further, it prefers Mn²⁺ ions rather than Mg²⁺ as catalytic activators. In addition to its polymerase activity, Polι possesses also 5'-deoxyribose phosphate (dRP) lyase activity, and its ability to participate in base excision repair has been shown. As a highly error-prone polymerase, its regulation is crucial and mostly involves posttranslational modifications and protein-protein interactions. The upregulation and downregulation of Polι are correlated with different types of cancer and suggestions regarding the possible function of this polymerase have emerged from studies of various cancer lines. Nonetheless, after twenty years of research, the biological function of Polι  certainly remains unresolved.

Translesion Synthesis in Plants: Ultraviolet Resistance and Beyond

Plant genomes sustain various forms of DNA damage that stall replication forks. Translesion synthesis (TLS) is one of the pathways to overcome stalled replication in which specific polymerases (TLS polymerase) perform bypass synthesis across DNA damage. This article gives a brief overview of plant TLS polymerases. In Arabidopsis, DNA polymerase (Pol) ζ, η, κ, θ, and λ and Reversionless1 (Rev1) are shown to be involved in the TLS. For example, AtPolη bypasses ultraviolet (UV)-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in vitro. Disruption of AtPolζ or AtPolη increases root stem cell death after UV irradiation. These results suggest that AtPolζ and ATPolη bypass UV-induced damage, prevent replication arrest, and allow damaged cells to survive and grow. In general, TLS polymerases have low fidelity and often induce mutations. Accordingly, disruption of AtPolζ or AtRev1 reduces somatic mutation frequency, whereas disruption of AtPolη elevates it, suggesting that plants have both mutagenic and less mutagenic TLS activities. The stalled replication fork can be resolved by a strand switch pathway involving a DNA helicase Rad5. Disruption of both AtPolζ and AtRAD5a shows synergistic or additive effects in the sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. Moreover, AtPolζ or AtRev1 disruption elevates homologous recombination frequencies in somatic tissues. These results suggest that the Rad5-dependent pathway and TLS are parallel. Plants grown in the presence of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor showed lower mutation frequencies, suggesting that HSP90 regulates mutagenic TLS in plants. Hypersensitivities of TLS-deficient plants to γ-ray and/or crosslink damage suggest that plant TLS polymerases have multiple roles, as reported in other organisms.

Filling gaps in translesion DNA synthesis in human cells

During DNA replication, forks may encounter unrepaired lesions that hamper DNA synthesis. Cells have universal strategies to promote damage bypass allowing cells to survive. DNA damage tolerance can be performed upon template switch or by specialized DNA polymerases, known as translesion (TLS) polymerases. Human cells count on more than eleven TLS polymerases and this work reviews the functions of some of these enzymes: Rev1, Pol η, Pol ι, Pol κ, Pol θ and Pol ζ. The mechanisms of damage bypass vary according to the lesion, as well as to the TLS polymerases available, and may occur directly at the fork during replication. Alternatively, the lesion may be skipped, leaving a single-stranded DNA gap that will be replicated later. Details of the participation of these enzymes are revised for the replication of damaged template. TLS polymerases also have functions in other cellular processes. These include involvement in somatic hypermutation in immunoglobulin genes, direct participation in recombination and repair processes, and contributing to replicating noncanonical DNA structures. The importance of DNA damage replication to cell survival is supported by recent discoveries that certain genes encoding TLS polymerases are induced in response to DNA damaging agents, protecting cells from a subsequent challenge to DNA replication. We retrace the findings on these genotoxic (adaptive) responses of human cells and show the common aspects with the SOS responses in bacteria. Paradoxically, although TLS of DNA damage is normally an error prone mechanism, in general it protects from carcinogenesis, as evidenced by increased tumorigenesis in xeroderma pigmentosum variant patients, who are deficient in Pol η. As these TLS polymerases also promote cell survival, they constitute an important mechanism by which cancer cells acquire resistance to genotoxic chemotherapy. Therefore, the TLS polymerases are new potential targets for improving therapy against tumors.

Translesion DNA polymerases in eukaryotes: what makes them tick?

Life as we know it, simply would not exist without DNA replication. All living organisms utilize a complex machinery to duplicate their genomes and the central role in this machinery belongs to replicative DNA polymerases, enzymes that are specifically designed to copy DNA. "Hassle-free" DNA duplication exists only in an ideal world, while in real life, it is constantly threatened by a myriad of diverse challenges. Among the most pressing obstacles that replicative polymerases often cannot overcome by themselves are lesions that distort the structure of DNA. Despite elaborate systems that cells utilize to cleanse their genomes of damaged DNA, repair is often incomplete. The persistence of DNA lesions obstructing the cellular replicases can have deleterious consequences. One of the mechanisms allowing cells to complete replication is "Translesion DNA Synthesis (TLS)". TLS is intrinsically error-prone, but apparently, the potential downside of increased mutagenesis is a healthier outcome for the cell than incomplete replication. Although most of the currently identified eukaryotic DNA polymerases have been implicated in TLS, the best characterized are those belonging to the "Y-family" of DNA polymerases (pols η, ι, κ and Rev1), which are thought to play major roles in the TLS of persisting DNA lesions in coordination with the B-family polymerase, pol ζ. In this review, we summarize the unique features of these DNA polymerases by mainly focusing on their biochemical and structural characteristics, as well as potential protein-protein interactions with other critical factors affecting TLS regulation.

Kinetic and Structural Impact of Metal Ions and Genetic Variations on Human DNA Polymerase ι

DNA polymerase (pol) ι is a Y-family polymerase involved in translesion synthesis, exhibiting higher catalytic activity with Mn²⁺ than Mg²⁺ The human germline R96G variant impairs both Mn²⁺-dependent and Mg²⁺-dependent activities of pol ι, whereas the Δ1-25 variant selectively enhances its Mg²⁺-dependent activity. We analyzed pre-steady-state kinetic and structural effects of these two metal ions and genetic variations on pol ι using pol ι core (residues 1-445) proteins. The presence of Mn²⁺ (0.15 mm) instead of Mg²⁺ (2 mm) caused a 770-fold increase in efficiency (k_pol/K_d,dCTP) of pol ι for dCTP insertion opposite G, mainly due to a 450-fold decrease in K_d,dCTP The R96G and Δ1-25 variants displayed a 53-fold decrease and a 3-fold increase, respectively, in k_pol/K_d,dCTP for dCTP insertion opposite G with Mg²⁺ when compared with wild type, substantially attenuated by substitution with Mn²⁺ Crystal structures of pol ι ternary complexes, including the primer terminus 3'-OH and a non-hydrolyzable dCTP analogue opposite G with the active-site Mg²⁺ or Mn²⁺, revealed that Mn²⁺ achieves more optimal octahedral coordination geometry than Mg²⁺, with lower values in average coordination distance geometry in the catalytic metal A-site. Crystal structures of R96G revealed the loss of three H-bonds of residues Gly-96 and Tyr-93 with an incoming dNTP, due to the lack of an arginine, as well as a destabilized Tyr-93 side chain secondary to the loss of a cation-π interaction between both side chains. These results provide a mechanistic basis for alteration in pol ι catalytic function with coordinating metals and genetic variation.

UV-induced mutations in epidermal cells of mice defective in DNA polymerase η and/or ι

Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XP-V) is a human rare inherited recessive disease, predisposed to sunlight-induced skin cancer, which is caused by deficiency in DNA polymerase η (Polη). Polη catalyzes accurate translesion synthesis (TLS) past pyrimidine dimers, the most prominent UV-induced lesions. DNA polymerase ι (Polι) is a paralog of Polη that has been suggested to participate in TLS past UV-induced lesions, but its function in vivo remains uncertain. We have previously reported that Polη-deficient and Polη/Polι double-deficient mice showed increased susceptibility to UV-induced carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated UV-induced mutation frequencies and spectra in the epidermal cells of Polη- and/or Polι-deficient mice. While Polη-deficient mice showed significantly higher UV-induced mutation frequencies than wild-type mice, Polι deficiency did not influence the frequencies in the presence of Polη. Interestingly, the frequencies in Polη/Polι double-deficient mice were statistically lower than those in Polη-deficient mice, although they were still higher than those of wild-type mice. Sequence analysis revealed that most of the UV-induced mutations in Polη-deficient and Polη/Polι double-deficient mice were base substitutions at dipyrimidine sites. An increase in UV-induced mutations at both G:C and A:T pairs associated with Polη deficiency suggests that Polη contributes to accurate TLS past both thymine- and cytosine-containing dimers in vivo. A significant decrease in G:C to A:T transition in Polη/Polι double-deficient mice when compared with Polη-deficient mice suggests that Polι is involved in error-prone TLS past cytosine-containing dimers when Polη is inactivated.

Biochemical analysis of six genetic variants of error-prone human DNA polymerase ι involved in translesion DNA synthesis

DNA polymerase (pol) ι is the most error-prone among the Y-family polymerases that participate in translesion synthesis (TLS). Pol ι can bypass various DNA lesions, e.g., N²-ethyl(Et)G, O⁶-methyl(Me)G, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), and an abasic site, though frequently with low fidelity. We assessed the biochemical effects of six reported genetic variations of human pol ι on its TLS properties, using the recombinant pol ι (residues 1–445) proteins and DNA templates containing a G, N²-EtG, O⁶-MeG, 8-oxoG, or abasic site. The Δ1–25 variant, which is the N-terminal truncation of 25 residues resulting from an initiation codon variant (c.3G > A) and also is the formerly misassigned wild-type, exhibited considerably higher polymerase activity than wild-type with Mg²⁺ (but not with Mn²⁺), coinciding with its steady-state kinetic data showing a ∼10-fold increase in k_cat/K_m for nucleotide incorporation opposite templates (only with Mg²⁺). The R96G variant, which lacks a R96 residue known to interact with the incoming nucleotide, lost much of its polymerase activity, consistent with the kinetic data displaying 5- to 72-fold decreases in k_cat/K_m for nucleotide incorporation opposite templates either with Mg²⁺ or Mn²⁺, except for that opposite N²-EtG with Mn²⁺ (showing a 9-fold increase for dCTP incorporation). The Δ1–25 variant bound DNA 20- to 29-fold more tightly than wild-type (with Mg²⁺), but the R96G variant bound DNA 2-fold less tightly than wild-type. The DNA-binding affinity of wild-type, but not of the Δ1–25 variant, was ∼7-fold stronger with 0.15 mM Mn²⁺ than with Mg²⁺. The results indicate that the R96G variation severely impairs most of the Mg²⁺- and Mn²⁺-dependent TLS abilities of pol ι, whereas the Δ1–25 variation selectively and substantially enhances the Mg²⁺-dependent TLS capability of pol ι, emphasizing the potential translational importance of these pol ι genetic variations, e.g., individual differences in TLS, mutation, and cancer susceptibility to genotoxic carcinogens.

Redundancy of mammalian Y family DNA polymerases in cellular responses to genomic DNA lesions induced by ultraviolet light

Short-wave ultraviolet light induces both mildly helix-distorting cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and severely distorting (6-4) pyrimidine pyrimidone photoproducts ((6-4)PPs). The only DNA polymerase (Pol) that is known to replicate efficiently across CPDs is Polη, a member of the Y family of translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases. Phenotypes of Polη deficiency are transient, suggesting redundancy with other DNA damage tolerance pathways. Here we performed a comprehensive analysis of the temporal requirements of Y-family Pols ι and κ as backups for Polη in (i) bypassing genomic CPD and (6-4)PP lesions in vivo, (ii) suppressing DNA damage signaling, (iii) maintaining cell cycle progression and (iv) promoting cell survival, by using mouse embryonic fibroblast lines with single and combined disruptions in these Pols. The contribution of Polι is restricted to TLS at a subset of the photolesions. Polκ plays a dominant role in rescuing stalled replication forks in Polη-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts, both at CPDs and (6-4)PPs. This dampens DNA damage signaling and cell cycle arrest, and results in increased survival. The role of relatively error-prone Pols ι and κ as backups for Polη contributes to the understanding of the mutator phenotype of xeroderma pigmentosum variant, a syndrome caused by Polη defects.

DNA polymerases and cancer

There are 15 different DNA polymerases encoded in mammalian genomes, which are specialized for replication, repair or the tolerance of DNA damage. New evidence is emerging for lesion-specific and tissue-specific functions of DNA polymerases. Many point mutations that occur in cancer cells arise from the error-generating activities of DNA polymerases. However, the ability of some of these enzymes to bypass DNA damage may actually defend against chromosome instability in cells, and at least one DNA polymerase, Pol ζ, is a suppressor of spontaneous tumorigenesis. Because DNA polymerases can help cancer cells tolerate DNA damage, some of these enzymes might be viable targets for therapeutic strategies.

DNA polymerase zeta cooperates with polymerases kappa and iota in translesion DNA synthesis across pyrimidine photodimers in cells from XPV patients

Human cells tolerate UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) by translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), carried out by DNA polymerase eta, the POLH gene product. A deficiency in DNA polymerase eta due to germ-line mutations in POLH causes the hereditary disease xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV), which is characterized by sunlight sensitivity and extreme predisposition to sunlight-induced skin cancer. XPV cells are UV hypermutable due to the activity of mutagenic TLS across CPD, which explains the cancer predisposition of the patients. However, the identity of the backup polymerase that carries out this mutagenic TLS was unclear. Here, we show that DNA polymerase zeta cooperates with DNA polymerases kappa and iota to carry out error-prone TLS across a TT CPD. Moreover, DNA polymerases zeta and kappa, but not iota, protect XPV cells against UV cytotoxicity, independently of nucleotide excision repair. This presents an extreme example of benefit-risk balance in the activity of TLS polymerases, which provide protection against UV cytotoxicity at the cost of increased mutagenic load.

Structural basis for novel interactions between human translesion synthesis polymerases and proliferating cell nuclear antigen

Translesion synthesis (TLS) is a DNA damage tolerance mechanism that allows continued DNA synthesis, even in the presence of damaged DNA templates. Mammals have multiple DNA polymerases specialized for TLS, including Poleta, Poliota, and Polkappa. These enzymes show preferential bypass for different lesions. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which functions as a sliding clamp for the replicative polymerase Poldelta, also interacts with the three TLS polymerases. Although many PCNA-binding proteins have a highly conserved sequence termed the PCNA-interacting protein box (PIP-box), Poleta, Poliota, and Polkappa have a noncanonical PIP-box sequence. In response to DNA damage, Lys-164 of PCNA undergoes ubiquitination by the RAD6-RAD18 complex, and the ubiquitination is considered to facilitate TLS. Consistent with this, these three TLS polymerases have one or two ubiquitin binding domains and are recruited to replication forks via interactions with ubiquitinated PCNA involving the noncanonical PIP-box and ubiquitin binding domain. However, it is unclear how these TLS polymerases interact with PCNA. To address the structural basis for interactions between different TLS polymerases and PCNA, we determined crystal structures of PCNA bound to peptides containing the noncanonical PIP-box of these polymerases. We show that the three PIP-box peptides interact with PCNA in different ways, both from one another and from canonical PIP-box peptides. Especially, the PIP-box of Poliota adopts a novel structure. Furthermore, these structures enable us to speculate how these TLS polymerases interact with Lys-164-monoubiquitinated PCNA. Our results will provide clues to understanding the mechanism of preferential recruitment of TLS polymerases to the stalled forks.

DNA polymerase zeta is essential for hexavalent chromium-induced mutagenesis

Translesion synthesis (TLS) is a unique DNA damage tolerance mechanism involved in the replicative bypass of genetic lesions in favor of uninterrupted DNA replication. TLS is critical for the generation of mutations by many different chemical and physical agents, however, there is no information available regarding the role of TLS in carcinogenic metal-induced mutagenesis. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))-containing compounds are highly complex genotoxins possessing both mutagenic and clastogenic activities. The focus of this work was to determine the impact that TLS has on Cr(VI)-induced mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Wild-type yeast and strains deficient in TLS polymerases (i.e. Polzeta (rev3), Poleta (rad30)) were exposed to Cr(VI) and monitored for cell survival and forward mutagenesis at the CAN1 locus. In general, TLS deficiency had little impact on Cr(VI)-induced clonogenic lethality or cell growth. rad30 yeast exhibited higher levels of basal and induced mutagenesis compared to Wt and rev3 yeast. In contrast, rev3 yeast displayed attenuated Cr(VI)-induced mutagenesis. Moreover, deletion of REV3 in rad30 yeast (rad30 rev3) resulted in a significant decrease in basal and Cr(VI) mutagenesis relative to Wt and rad30 single mutants indicating that mutagenesis primarily depended upon Polzeta. Interestingly, rev3 yeast were similar to Wt yeast in susceptibility to Cr(VI)-induced frameshift mutations. Mutational analysis of the CAN1 gene revealed that Cr(VI)-induced base substitution mutations accounted for 83.9% and 100.0% of the total mutations in Wt and rev3 yeast, respectively. Insertions and deletions comprised 16.1% of the total mutations in Cr(VI) treated Wt yeast but were not observed rev3 yeast. This work provides novel information regarding the molecular mechanisms of Cr(VI)-induced mutagenesis and is the first report demonstrating a role for TLS in the fixation of mutations induced by a carcinogenic metal.

Initial crystallographic study of human PCNA in complex with a peptide containing the noncanonical PIP-box sequence of human DNA polymerase iota

Human DNA polymerase iota (Poliota) is one of the Y-family DNA polymerases involved in translesion synthesis (TLS), which allows continued replication at damaged DNA templates. Poliota has a noncanonical PCNA-interacting protein box (PIP-box) within an internal region of the protein. Poliota activity is stimulated by PCNA binding through the noncanonical PIP-box. To clarify the interaction of PCNA with the noncanonical PIP-box of Poliota, PCNA and a Poliota peptide carrying the noncanonical PIP-box complex have been cocrystallized. The crystal belongs to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 167.1, b = 68.7, c = 90.0 A, beta = 95.1 degrees . Structural analysis by molecular replacement is in progress.

Role of DNA polymerases eta, iota and zeta in UV resistance and UV-induced mutagenesis in a human cell line

Genes coding for DNA polymerases eta, iota and zeta, or for both Pol eta and Pol iota have been inactivated by homologous recombination in the Burkitt's lymphoma BL2 cell line, thus providing for the first time the total suppression of these enzymes in a human context. The UV sensitivities and UV-induced mutagenesis on an irradiated shuttle vector have been analyzed for these deficient cell lines. The double Pol eta/iota deficient cell line was more UV sensitive than the Pol eta-deficient cell line and mutation hotspots specific to the Pol eta-deficient context appeared to require the presence of Pol iota, thus strengthening the view that Pol iota is involved in UV damage translesion synthesis and UV-induced mutagenesis. A role for Pol zeta in a damage repair process at late replicative stages is reported, which may explain the drastic UV-sensitivity phenotype observed when this polymerase is absent. A specific mutation pattern was observed for the UV-irradiated shuttle vector transfected in Pol zeta-deficient cell lines, which, in contrast to mutagenesis at the HPRT locus previously reported, strikingly resembled mutations observed in UV-induced skin cancers in humans. Finally, a Pol eta PIP-box mutant (without its PCNA binding domain) could completely restore the UV resistance in a Pol eta deficient cell line, in the absence of UV-induced foci, suggesting, as observed for Pol iota in a Pol eta-deficient background, that TLS may occur without the accumulation of microscopically visible repair factories.

Biochemical evolution of DNA polymerase eta: properties of plant, human, and yeast proteins

To assess how evolution might have biochemically shaped DNA polymerase eta (Poleta) in plants, we expressed in Escherichia coli proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana (At), humans (Hs), and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc), purified them to near homogeneity, and compared their properties. Consistent with the multiple divergent amino acids within mostly conserved polymerase domains, the polymerases showed modest, appreciable, and marked differences, respectively, in salt and temperature optima for activity and thermostability. We compared abilities to extend synthetic primers past template cyclobutane thymine dimers (T[CPD]T) or undamaged T-T under physiological conditions (80-110 mM salt). Specific activities for "standing-start" extension of synthetic primers ending opposite the second template nucleotide 3' to T-T were roughly similar. During subsequent "running-start" insertions past T-T and the next 5' ( N + 1) nucleotide, AtPoleta and HsPoleta appeared more processive, but DNA sequence contexts strongly affected termination probabilities. Lesion-bypass studies employed four different templates containing T[CPD]Ts, and two containing pyrimidine (6-4')-pyrimidinone photoproducts ([6-4]s). AtPoleta made the three successive insertions [opposite the T[CPD]T and (N + 1) nucleotides] that define bypass nearly as well as HsPoleta and somewhat better than ScPoleta. Again, sequence context effects were profound. Interestingly, the level of insertion opposite the ( N - 1) nucleotide 3' to T[CPD]T by HsPoleta and especially AtPoleta, but not ScPoleta, was reduced (up to 4-fold) relative to the level of insertion opposite the ( N - 1) nucleotide 3' to T-T. Evolutionary conservation of efficient T[CPD]T bypass by HsPoleta and AtPoleta may reflect a high degree of exposure of human skin and plants to solar UV-B radiation. The depressed ( N - 1) insertion upstream of T[CPD]T (but not T-T) may reduce the extent of gratuitous error-prone insertion.

Xeroderma pigmentosum-variant patients from America, Europe, and Asia

Xeroderma pigmentosum-variant (XP-V) patients have sun sensitivity and increased skin cancer risk. Their cells have normal nucleotide excision repair, but have defects in the POLH gene encoding an error-prone polymerase, DNA polymerase eta (pol eta). To survey the molecular basis of XP-V worldwide, we measured pol eta protein in skin fibroblasts from putative XP-V patients (aged 8-66 years) from 10 families in North America, Turkey, Israel, Germany, and Korea. Pol eta was undetectable in cells from patients in eight families, whereas two showed faint bands. DNA sequencing identified 10 different POLH mutations. There were two splicing, one nonsense, five frameshift (3 deletion and 2 insertion), and two missense mutations. Nine of these mutations involved the catalytic domain. Although affected siblings had similar clinical features, the relation between the clinical features and the mutations was not clear. POLH mRNA levels were normal or reduced by 50% in three cell strains with undetectable levels of pol eta protein, indicating that nonsense-mediated message decay was limited. We found a wide spectrum of mutations in the POLH gene among XP-V patients in different countries, suggesting that many of these mutations arose independently.

DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) can extend from mismatches and from bases opposite a (6-4) photoproduct

DNA polymerase theta (pol theta) is a nuclear A-family DNA polymerase encoded by the POLQ gene in vertebrate cells. The biochemical properties of pol theta and of Polq-defective mice have suggested that pol theta participates in DNA damage tolerance. For example, pol theta was previously found to be proficient not only in incorporation of a nucleotide opposite a thymine glycol or an abasic site, but also extends a polynucleotide chain efficiently from the base opposite the lesion. We carried out experiments to determine whether this ability to extend from non-standard termini is a more general property of the enzyme. Pol theta extended relatively efficiently from matched termini as well as termini with A:G, A:T and A:C mismatches, with less descrimination than a well-studied A-family DNA polymerase, exonuclease-free pol I from E. coli. Although pol theta was unable to, by itself, bypass a cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer or a (6-4) photoproduct, it could perform some extension from primers with bases placed across from these lesions. When pol theta was combined with DNA polymerase iota, an enzyme that can insert a base opposite a UV-induced (6-4) photoproduct, complete bypass of a (6-4) photoproduct was possible. These data show that in addition to its ability to insert nucleotides opposite some DNA lesions, pol theta is proficient at extension of unpaired termini. These results show the potential of pol theta to act as an extender after incorporation of nucleotides by other DNA polymerases, and aid in understanding the role of pol theta in somatic mutagenesis and genome instability.

What a difference a decade makes: insights into translesion DNA synthesis

Living organisms are continually under attack from a vast array of DNA-damaging agents that imperils their genomic integrity. As a consequence, cells possess an army of enzymes to repair their damaged chromosomes. However, DNA lesions often persist and pose a considerable threat to survival, because they can block the cell's replicase and its ability to complete genome duplication. It has been clear for many years that cells must possess a mechanism whereby the DNA lesion could be tolerated and physically bypassed. Yet it was only within the past decade that specialized DNA polymerases for "translesion DNA synthesis" or "TLS" were identified and characterized. Many of the TLS enzymes belong to the recently described "Y-family" of DNA polymerases. By possessing a spacious preformed active site, these enzymes can physically accommodate a variety of DNA lesions and facilitate their bypass. Flexible DNA-binding domains and a variable binding pocket for the replicating base pair further allow these TLS polymerases to select specific lesions to bypass and favor distinct non-Watson-Crick base pairs. Consequently, TLS polymerases tend to exhibit much lower fidelity than the cell's replicase when copying normal DNA, which results in a dramatic increase in mutagenesis. Occasionally this can be beneficial, but it often speeds the onset of cancer in humans. Cells use both transcriptional and posttranslational regulation to keep these low-fidelity polymerases under strict control and limit their access to a replication fork. Our perspective focuses on the mechanistic insights into TLS by the Y-family polymerases, how they are regulated, and their effects on genomic (in)stability that have been described in the past decade.

Increased catalytic activity and altered fidelity of human DNA polymerase iota in the presence of manganese

All DNA polymerases require a divalent cation for catalytic activity. It is generally assumed that Mg(2+) is the physiological cofactor for replicative DNA polymerases in vivo. However, recent studies suggest that certain repair polymerases, such as pol lambda, may preferentially utilize Mn(2+) in vitro. Here we report on the effects of Mn(2+) and Mg(2+) on the enzymatic properties of human DNA polymerase iota (pol iota). pol iota exhibited the greatest activity in the presence of low levels of Mn(2+) (0.05-0.25 mm). Peak activity in the presence of Mg(2+) was observed in the range of 0.1-0.5 mm and was significantly reduced at concentrations >2 mm. Steady-state kinetic analyses revealed that Mn(2+) increases the catalytic activity of pol iota by approximately 30-60,000-fold through a dramatic decrease in the K(m) value for nucleotide incorporation. Interestingly, whereas pol iota preferentially misinserts G opposite T by a factor of approximately 1.4-2.5-fold over the correct base A in the presence of 0.25 and 5 mm Mg(2+), respectively, the correct insertion of A is actually favored 2-fold over the misincorporation of G in the presence of 0.075 mm Mn(2+). Low levels of Mn(2+) also dramatically increased the ability of pol iota to traverse a variety of DNA lesions in vitro. Titration experiments revealed a strong preference of pol iota for Mn(2+) even when Mg(2+) is present in a >10-fold excess. Our observations therefore raise the intriguing possibility that the cation utilized by pol iota in vivo may actually be Mn(2+) rather than Mg(2+), as tacitly assumed.

Evidence that in xeroderma pigmentosum variant cells, which lack DNA polymerase eta, DNA polymerase iota causes the very high frequency and unique spectrum of UV-induced mutations

Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) patients have normal DNA excision repair, yet are predisposed to develop sunlight-induced cancer. They exhibit a 25-fold higher than normal frequency of UV-induced mutations and very unusual kinds (spectrum), mainly transversions. The primary defect in XPV cells is the lack of functional DNA polymerase (Pol) eta, the translesion synthesis DNA polymerase that readily inserts adenine nucleotides opposite photoproducts involving thymine. The high frequency and striking difference in kinds of UV-induced mutations in XPV cells strongly suggest that, in the absence of Pol eta, an abnormally error-prone polymerase substitutes. In vitro replication studies of Pol iota show that it replicates past 5'T-T3' and 5'T-U3' cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, incorporating G or T nucleotides opposite the 3' nucleotide. To test the hypothesis that Pol iota causes the high frequency and abnormal spectrum of UV-induced mutations in XPV cells, we identified an unlimited lifespan XPV cell line expressing two forms of Pol iota, whose frequency of UV-induced mutations is twice that of XPV cells expressing one form. We eliminated expression of one form and compared the parental cells and derivatives for the frequency and kinds of UV-induced mutations. All exhibited similar sensitivity to the cytotoxicity of UV((254 nm)), and the kinds of mutations induced were identical, but the frequency of mutations induced in the derivatives was reduced to </=50% that of the parent. These data strongly support the hypothesis that in cells lacking Pol eta, Pol iota is responsible for the high frequency and abnormal spectrum of UV-induced mutations, and ultimately their malignant transformation.

DNA polymerases and human diseases

DNA polymerases function in DNA replication, repair, recombination and translesion synthesis. Currently, 15 DNA polymerase genes have been identified in human cells, belonging to four distinct families. In this review, we briefly describe the biochemical activities and known cellular roles of each DNA polymerase. Our major focus is on the phenotypic consequences of mutation or ablation of individual DNA polymerase genes. We discuss phenotypes of current mouse models and altered polymerase functions and the relationship of DNA polymerase gene mutations to human cell phenotypes. Interestingly, over 120 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in human populations that are predicted to result in nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions of DNA polymerases. We discuss the putative functional consequences of these SNPs in relation to human disease.

UV-B radiation induces epithelial tumors in mice lacking DNA polymerase eta and mesenchymal tumors in mice deficient for DNA polymerase iota

DNA polymerase eta (Pol eta) is the product of the Polh gene, which is responsible for the group variant of xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare inherited recessive disease which is characterized by susceptibility to sunlight-induced skin cancer. We recently reported in a study of Polh mutant mice that Pol eta is involved in the somatic hypermutation of immunoglobulin genes, but the cancer predisposition of Polh-/- mice has not been examined until very recently. Another translesion synthesis polymerase, Pol iota, a Pol eta paralog encoded by the Poli gene, is naturally deficient in the 129 mouse strain, and the function of Pol iota is enigmatic. Here, we generated Polh Poli double-deficient mice and compared the tumor susceptibility of them with Polh- or Poli-deficient animals under the same genetic background. While Pol iota deficiency does not influence the UV sensitivity of mouse fibroblasts irrespective of Polh genotype, Polh Poli double-deficient mice show slightly earlier onset of skin tumor formation. Intriguingly, histological diagnosis after chronic treatment with UV light reveals that Pol iota deficiency leads to the formation of mesenchymal tumors, such as sarcomas, that are not observed in Polh(-/-) mice. These results suggest the involvement of the Pol eta and Pol iota proteins in UV-induced skin carcinogenesis.

Lysine 63-polyubiquitination guards against translesion synthesis-induced mutations

Eukaryotic cells possess several mechanisms to protect the integrity of their DNA against damage. These include cell-cycle checkpoints, DNA-repair pathways, and also a distinct DNA damage–tolerance system that allows recovery of replication forks blocked at sites of DNA damage. In both humans and yeast, lesion bypass and restart of DNA synthesis can occur through an error-prone pathway activated following mono-ubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a protein found at sites of replication, and recruitment of specialized translesion synthesis polymerases. In yeast, there is evidence for a second, error-free, pathway that requires modification of PCNA with non-proteolytic lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin (K63-polyUb) chains. Here we demonstrate that formation of K63-polyUb chains protects human cells against translesion synthesis–induced mutations by promoting recovery of blocked replication forks through an alternative error-free mechanism. Furthermore, we show that polyubiquitination of PCNA occurs in UV-irradiated human cells. Our findings indicate that K63-polyubiquitination guards against environmental carcinogenesis and contributes to genomic stability.

Genome instability is associated with increased cancer risk, and thus considerable effort has been put into unraveling the mechanisms underlying genome surveillance. Guarding the integrity of DNA are a number of DNA-repair and cell cycle–control systems. Insight into how these pathways become activated is crucially important to the understanding of carcinogenesis and in the development of cancer treatments. This study concerns a distinct pathway that promotes the tolerance of DNA damage during its replication phase. Prior attempts to investigate this pathway in human cells have been difficult due to extensive redundancy in the genes that carry out this process. Previous knowledge from lower organisms suggested the requirement for enzymes capable of constructing a chain of ubiquitin molecules linked in a specific manner. The authors used a novel approach to disrupt the formation of these ubiquitin chains in human cells and found that this caused a significant increase in mutations after exposure to UV light. Several lines of evidence implicate a family of error-prone enzymes, called translesion synthesis polymerases, in the formation of these mutations. Furthermore, they provide evidence suggesting that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a protein found at sites of replication, is the relevant target of these chains in human cells. These findings indicate that polyubiquitination guards against environmental carcinogenesis and contributes to genomic stability.

The role of DNA polymerase iota in UV mutational spectra

UVB (280-320 nm) and UVC (200-280 nm) irradiation generate predominantly cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6-4) photoproducts in DNA. CPDs are thought to be responsible for most of the UV-induced mutations. Thymine-thymine CPDs, and probably also CPDs containing cytosine, are replicated in vivo in a largely accurate manner by a DNA polymerase eta (Pol eta) dependent process. Pol eta is a DNA damage-tolerant and error-prone DNA polymerase encoded by the POLH (XPV) gene in humans. Another member of the Y family of error-prone DNA polymerases is POLI encoding DNA polymerase iota (Pol iota). In order to clarify the specific role of Pol iota in UV mutagenesis, we have used an siRNA knockdown approach in combination with a supF shuttle vector which replicates in mammalian cells, similar as we have previously done for Pol eta. Synthetic RNA duplexes were used to efficiently inhibit Pol iota expression in 293 T cells. The supF shuttle vector was irradiated with 254 nm UVC and replicated in 293 T cells in presence of anti-Pol iota siRNA. Surprisingly, there was a consistent reduction of recovered plasmid from cells with Pol iota knockdown and this was independent of UV irradiation of the plasmid. The supF mutant frequency was unchanged in the siRNA knockdown cells relative to control cells confirming that Pol iota does not play an important role in UV mutagenesis. UV-induced supF mutants were sequenced from siRNA-treated cells and controls. Neither the type of mutations nor their distribution along the supF gene were significantly different between controls and siRNA knockdown cells and were predominantly C to T and CC to TT transitions at dipyrimidine sites. These results show that Pol iota has no significant role in UV lesion bypass and mutagenesis in vivo and provides some initial data suggesting that this polymerase may be involved in replication of extrachromosomal DNA.

DNA polymerase iota-dependent translesion replication of uracil containing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers

Analysis of the spectrum of UV-induced mutations generated in synchronized wild-type S-phase cells reveals that only approximately 25% of mutations occur at thymine (T), whilst 75% are targeted to cytosine (C). The mutational spectra changes dramatically in XP-V cells, devoid of poleta, where approximately 45% of mutations occur at Ts and approximately 55% at Cs. At the present time, it is unclear whether the C-->T mutations actually represent true misincorporations opposite C, or perhaps occur as the result of the correct incorporation of adenine (A) opposite a C in a UV-photoproduct that had undergone deamination to uracil (U). In order to assess the role that human poliota might play, if any, in the replicative bypass of such UV-photoproducts, we have analyzed the efficiency and fidelity of pol iota-dependent bypass of a T-U cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) in vitro. Interestingly, pol iota-dependent bypass of a T-U CPD occurs more efficiently than that of a corresponding T-T CPD. Guanine (G) was misincorporated opposite the 3'U of the T-U CPD only two-fold less frequently than the correct Watson-Crick base, A. While pol iota generally extended the G:3'U-CPD mispairs less efficiently than the correctly paired primer, pol iota-dependent extension was equal to, or greater than that observed with human pols eta and kappa and S. cerevisiae pol zeta under the same assay conditions. Thus, we hypothesize that the ability of pol iota to bypass T-U CPDs through the frequent misincorporation of G opposite the 3'U of the CPD, may provide a mechanism whereby human cells can decrease the mutagenic potential of these lesions.

Human DNA repair genes, 2005

An updated inventory of about 150 human DNA repair genes is described. The compilation includes genes encoding DNA repair enzymes, some genes associated with cellular responses to DNA damage, and other genes associated with genetic instability or sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. The updated human DNA repair genes table (http://www.cgal.icnet.uk/DNA_Repair_Genes.htmlhttp://www.cgal.icnet.uk/DNA_Repair_Genes.html) is a research and reference tool that directly links to several databases: Gene Cards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, the NCBI MapViewer for chromosome position, and the NCBI Entrez database for the reference nucleotide sequence. This article discusses the approximately 25 genes added, since the original version of the table was first produced in 2001, and some other revisions.

DNA polymerases eta and kappa are responsible for error-free translesion DNA synthesis activity over a cis-syn thymine dimer in Xenopus laevis oocyte extracts

In translesion synthesis (TLS), specialized DNA polymerases (pols) facilitate progression of replication forks stalled by DNA damage. Although multiple TLS pols have been identified in eukaryotes, little is known about endogenous TLS pols and their relative contributions to TLS in vivo because of their low cellular abundance. Taking advantage of Xenopus laevis oocyte cells, with their extraordinary size and abundant enzymes involved in DNA metabolism, we have identified and characterized endogenous TLS pols for DNA damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. We designed a TLS assay which monitors primer elongation on a synthetic oligomer template over a single UV-induced lesion, either a cys-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) or a pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproduct. Four distinct TLS activities (TLS1-TLS4) were identified in X. laevis oocyte extracts, using three template/primer (T/P) DNA substrates having various sites at which primer extension is initiated relative to the lesion. TLS1 and TLS2 activities appear to be sequence-dependent. TLS3 and TLS4 extended the primers over the CPD in an error-free manner irrespective of sequence context. Base insertion opposite the CPD of the T/P substrate in which the 3'-end of the primer is placed one base upstream of the lesion was observed only with TLS3. TLS3 and TLS4 showed primer extension with similar efficiencies on the T/P substrate whose 3'-primer terminal dinucleotide (AA) was complementary to the CPD lesion. Investigations with antibodies and recombinant pols revealed that TLS3 and TLS4 were most likely attributable to pol eta and pol kappa, respectively. These results indicate that error-free insertion in CPD bypass is due mainly to pol eta (TLS3) in the extracts, and suggest that pol kappa (TLS4) may assist pol eta (TLS3) in error-free extension during CPD bypass.

The role of DNA polymerase eta in UV mutational spectra

UV irradiation generates predominantly cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6-4) photoproducts in DNA. CPDs are thought to be responsible for most of the UV-induced mutations. Thymine-thymine CPDs, and probably also CPDs containing cytosine, are replicated in vivo in a largely accurate manner by a DNA polymerase eta (Pol eta) dependent process. Pol eta is encoded by the POLH (XPV) gene in humans. In order to clarify the specific role of Pol eta in UV mutagenesis, we have used an siRNA knockdown approach in combination with a supF shuttle vector which replicates in mammalian cells. This strategy provides an advantage over studying mutagenesis in cell lines derived from normal individuals and XP-V patients, since the genetic background of the cells is identical. Synthetic RNA duplexes were used to inhibit Pol eta expression in 293T cells. The reduction of Pol eta mRNA and protein was greater than 90%. The supF shuttle vector was irradiated with UVC and replicated in 293T cells in presence of anti-Pol eta siRNA. The supF mutant frequency was increased by up to 3.6-fold in the siRNA knockdown cells relative to control cells confirming that Pol eta plays an important role in mutation avoidance and that the pol eta knockdown was efficient. UV-induced supF mutants were sequenced from siRNA-treated cells and controls. Surprisingly, neither the type of mutations nor their distribution along the supF gene were substantially different between controls and siRNA knockdown cells and were predominantly C to T and CC to TT transitions at dipyrimidine sites. The data are compatible with two models. (i) Incorrect replication of cytosine-containing photoproducts by a polymerase other than Pol eta produces similar mutations as when Pol eta is present but at a higher frequency. (ii) Due to lack of Pol eta or low levels of remaining Pol eta, lesion replication is delayed allowing more time for cytosine deamination within CPDs to occur. We provide proof of principle that siRNA technology can be used to dissect the in vivo roles of lesion bypass DNA polymerases in DNA damage-induced mutagenesis.

Co-localization in replication foci and interaction of human Y-family members, DNA polymerase pol eta and REVl protein

The progress of replicative DNA polymerases along the replication fork may be impeded by the presence of lesions in the genome. One way to circumvent such hurdles involves the recruitment of specialized DNA polymerases that perform limited incorporation of nucleotides in the vicinity of the damaged site. This process entails DNA polymerase switch between replicative and specialized DNA polymerases. Five eukaryotic proteins can carry out translesion synthesis (TLS) of damaged DNA in vitro, DNA polymerases zeta, eta, iota, and kappa, and REV1. To identify novel proteins that interact with hpol eta, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen. In this paper, we show that hREV1 interacts with hpol eta as well as with hpol kappa and poorly with hpol iota. Furthermore, cellular localization analysis demonstrates that hREV1 is present, with hpol eta in replication factories at stalled replication forks and is tightly associated with nuclear structures. This hREV1 nuclear localization occurs independently of the presence of hpol eta. Taken together, our data suggest a central role for hREV1 as a scaffold that recruits DNA polymerases involved in TLS.

Components of nucleotide excision repair and DNA damage tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

As obligate phototrophs, and despite shielding strategies, plants sustain DNA damage caused by UV radiation in sunlight. By inhibiting DNA replication and transcription, such damage may contribute to the detrimental effects of UV radiation on the growth, productivity, and genetic stability of higher plants. However, there is evidence that plants can reverse UV-induced DNA damage by photoreactivation or remove it via nucleotide excision repair. In addition, plants may have mechanisms for tolerating UV photoproducts as a means of avoiding replicative arrest. Recently, phenotypic characterization of plant mutants, functional complementation studies, and cDNA analysis have implicated genes isolated from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana in nucleotide excision repair or tolerance of UV-induced DNA damage. Here, we briefly review features of these processes in human cells, collate information on Arabidopsis homologs of the relevant genes, and summarize the experimental findings that link certain of these plant genes to nucleotide excision repair or damage tolerance.

Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen-dependent Coordination of the Biological Functions of Human DNA Polymerase ι

Y-family DNA polymerases are believed to facilitate the replicative bypass of damaged DNA in a process commonly referred to as translesion synthesis. With the exception of DNA polymerase eta (poleta), which is defective in humans with the Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XP-V) phenotype, little is known about the cellular function(s) of the remaining human Y-family DNA polymerases. We report here that an interaction between human DNA polymerase iota (poliota) and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stimulates the processivity of poliota in a template-dependent manner in vitro. Mutations in one of the putative PCNA-binding motifs (PIP box) of poliota or the interdomain connector loop of PCNA diminish the binding between poliota and PCNA and concomitantly reduce PCNA-dependent stimulation of poliota activity. Furthermore, although retaining its capacity to interact with poleta in vivo, the poliota-PIP box mutant fails to accumulate in replication foci. Thus, PCNA, acting as both a scaffold and a modulator of the different activities involved in replication, appears to recruit and coordinate replicative and translesion DNA synthesis polymerases to ensure genome integrity.

Error-prone replication for better or worse

Precise genome duplication requires accurate copying by DNA polymerases and the elimination of occasional mistakes by proofreading exonucleases and mismatch repair enzymes. The commonly held belief that 'if something is worth doing, then it's worth doing well' normally applies to DNA replication and repair, however, there are exceptions. This review describes elements that are crucial to cell fitness, evolution and survival in the recently discovered error-prone DNA polymerases. Large numbers of errant DNA polymerases, spanning microorganisms to humans, are used to rescue stalled replication forks by copying damaged DNA and even undamaged DNA to generate 'purposeful' mutations that generate genetic diversity in times of stress. Here we focus on low-fidelity polymerases from bacteria, comparing Escherichia coli, archeabacteria and those most recently discovered in Gram-positive Bacilli, Streptococcus, pathogenic Mycobacterium and intein-containing cyanobacteria.

Chemical synthesis and translesion replication of a cis-syn cyclobutane thymine-uracil dimer

The cytosine base in DNA undergoes hydrolytic deamination at a considerable rate when UV radiation induces formation of a cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) with an adjacent pyrimidine base. We have synthesized a phosphoramidite building block of a cis-syn cyclobutane thymine-uracil dimer (T[]U), which is the deaminated form of the CPD at a TC site, and incorporated it into oligodeoxyribonucleotides. The previously reported method for synthesis of the thymine dimer (T[]T) was applied, using partially protected thymidylyl-(3'-5')-2'-deoxyuridine as the starting material, and after triplet- sensitized irradiation, the configuration of the base moiety in the major product was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Presence of the cis-syn cyclobutane dimer in the obtained oligonucleotides was confirmed by UV photoreversal and reaction with T4 endonuclease V. Using a 30mer containing T[]U, translesion synthesis by human DNA polymerase eta was analyzed. There was no difference in the results between the templates containing T[]T and T[]U and pol eta bypassed both lesions with the same efficiency, incorporating two adenylates. This enzyme showed fidelity to base pair formation, but this replication causes a C-->T transition because the original sequence is TC.

S-(2-chloroethyl)glutathione-generated p53 mutation spectra are influenced by differential repair rates more than sites of initial dna damage

Several steps occur between the reaction of a chemical with DNA and a mutation, and each may influence the resulting mutation spectrum, i.e. nucleotides at which the mutations occur. The half-mustard S-(2-bro-moethyl)glutathione is the reactive conjugate implicated in ethylene dibromide-induced mutagenesis attributed to the glutathione-dependent pathway. A human p53-driven Ade reporter system in yeast was used to study the factors involved in producing mutations. The synthetic analog S-(2-chloroethyl)glutathione was used to produce DNA damage; the damage to the p53 exons was analyzed using a new fluorescence-based modification of ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction and an automated sequencer. The mutation spectrum was strongly dominated by the G to A transition mutations seen in other organisms with S-(2-chloroethyl)glutathione or ethylene dibromide. The mutation spectrum clearly differed from the spontaneous spectrum or that derived from N-ethyl,N-nitrosourea. Distinct differences were seen between patterns of modification of p53 DNA exposed to the mutagen in vitro versus in vivo. In the four p53 exons in which mutants were analyzed, the major sites of mutation matched the sites with long half-lives of repair much better than the sites of initial damage. However, not all slowly repaired sites yielded mutations in part because of the lack of effect of mutations on phenotype. We conclude that the rate of DNA repair at individual nucleotides is a major factor in influencing the mutation spectra in this system. The results are consistent with a role of N(7)-guanyl adducts in mutagenesis.