Mammalian DNA2 helicase/nuclease cleaves G-quadruplex DNA and is required for telomere integrity

Balancing act: BRCA2's elaborate management of telomere replication through control of G-quadruplex dynamicity

In billion years of evolution, eukaryotes preserved the chromosome ends with arrays of guanine repeats surrounded by thymines and adenines, which can form stacks of four-stranded planar structure known as G-quadruplex (G4). The rationale behind the evolutionary conservation of the G4 structure at the telomere remained elusive. Our recent study has shed light on this matter by revealing that telomere G4 undergoes oscillation between at least two distinct folded conformations. Additionally, tumor suppressor BRCA2 exhibits a unique mode of interaction with telomere G4. To elaborate, BRCA2 directly interacts with G-triplex (G3)-derived intermediates that form during the interconversion of the two different G4 states. In doing so, BRCA2 remodels the G4, facilitating the restart of stalled replication forks. In this review, we succinctly summarize the findings regarding the dynamicity of telomeric G4, emphasize its importance in maintaining telomere replication homeostasis, and the physiological consequences of losing G4 dynamicity at the telomere.

Effect of molecular crowders on ligand binding kinetics with G-quadruplex DNA probed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

Guanine-rich single-stranded DNA folds into G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structures, which play crucial roles in various biological processes. These structures are also promising targets for ligands, potentially inducing antitumor effects. While thermodynamic parameters of ligand/DNA interactions are well-studied, the kinetics of ligand interaction with GqDNA, particularly in cell-like crowded environments, remain less explored. In this study, we investigate the impact of molecular crowding agents (glucose, sucrose, and ficoll 70) at physiologically relevant concentrations (20% w/v) on the association and dissociation rates of the benzophenoxazine-core based ligand, cresyl violet (CV), with human telomeric antiparallel-GqDNA. We utilized fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) along with other techniques. Our findings reveal that crowding agents decrease the binding affinity of CV to GqDNA, with the most significant effect-a nearly three-fold decrease-observed with ficoll 70. FCS measurements indicate that this decrease is primarily due to a viscosity-induced slowdown of ligand association in the crowded environment. Interestingly, dissociation rates remain largely unaffected by smaller crowders, with only small effect observed in presence of ficoll 70 due to direct but weak interaction between the ligand and ficoll. These results along with previously reported data provide valuable insights into ligand/GqDNA interactions in cellular contexts, suggesting a conserved mechanism of saccharide crowder influence, regardless of variations in GqDNA structure and ligand binding mode. This underscores the importance of considering crowding effects in the design and development of GqDNA-targeted drugs for potential cancer treatment.

Extrachromosomal telomere DNA derived from excessive strand displacements

Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomere maintenance mechanism mediated by break-induced replication, evident in approximately 15% of human cancers. A characteristic feature of ALT cancers is the presence of C-circles, circular single-stranded telomeric DNAs composed of C-rich sequences. Despite the fact that extrachromosomal C-rich single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs), including C-circles, are unique to ALT cells, their generation process remains undefined. Here, we introduce a method to detect single-stranded telomeric DNA, called 4SET (Strand-Specific Southern-blot for Single-stranded Extrachromosomal Telomeres) assay. Utilizing 4SET, we are able to capture C-rich single-stranded DNAs that are near 200 to 1500 nucleotides in size. Both linear C-rich ssDNAs and C-circles are abundant in the fractions of cytoplasm and nucleoplasm, which supports the idea that linear and circular C-rich ssDNAs are generated concurrently. We also found that C-rich ssDNAs originate during Okazaki fragment processing during lagging strand DNA synthesis. The generation of C-rich ssDNA requires CST-PP (CTC1/STN1/TEN1-PRIMASE-Polymerase alpha) complex-mediated priming of the C-strand DNA synthesis and subsequent excessive strand displacement of the C-rich strand mediated by the DNA Polymerase delta and the BLM helicase. Our work proposes a model for the generation of C-rich ssDNAs and C-circles during ALT-mediated telomere elongation.

Structural Motifs at the Telomeres and Their Role in Regulatory Pathways

Telomeres are specialized structures, found at the ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotic cells, that play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and integrity of genomes. They are composed of repetitive DNA sequences, ssDNA overhangs, and several associated proteins. The length of telomeres is linked to cellular aging in humans, and deficiencies in their maintenance are associated with various diseases. Key structural motifs at the telomeres serve to protect vulnerable chromosomal ends. Telomeric DNA also has the ability to form diverse complex DNA higher-order structures, including T-loops, D-loops, R-loops, G-loops, G-quadruplexes, and i-motifs, in the complementary C-rich strand. While many essential proteins at telomeres have been identified, the intricacies of their interactions and structural details are still not fully understood. This Perspective highlights recent advancements in comprehending the structures associated with human telomeres. It emphasizes the significance of telomeres, explores various telomeric structural motifs, and delves into the structural biology surrounding telomeres and telomerase. Furthermore, telomeric loops, their topologies, and the associated proteins that contribute to the safeguarding of telomeres are discussed.

EXO1 protects BRCA1-deficient cells against toxic DNA lesions

Inactivating mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes impair DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR), leading to chromosomal instability and cancer. Importantly, BRCA1/2 deficiency also causes therapeutically targetable vulnerabilities. Here, we identify the dependency on the end resection factor EXO1 as a key vulnerability of BRCA1-deficient cells. EXO1 deficiency generates poly(ADP-ribose)-decorated DNA lesions during S phase that associate with unresolved DSBs and genomic instability in BRCA1-deficient but not in wild-type or BRCA2-deficient cells. Our data indicate that BRCA1/EXO1 double-deficient cells accumulate DSBs due to impaired repair by single-strand annealing (SSA) on top of their HR defect. In contrast, BRCA2-deficient cells retain SSA activity in the absence of EXO1 and hence tolerate EXO1 loss. Consistent with a dependency on EXO1-mediated SSA, we find that BRCA1-mutated tumors show elevated EXO1 expression and increased SSA-associated genomic scars compared with BRCA1-proficient tumors. Overall, our findings uncover EXO1 as a promising therapeutic target for BRCA1-deficient tumors.

The many faces of the helicase RTEL1 at telomeres and beyond

Regulator of telomere elongation 1 (RTEL1) is known as a DNA helicase that is important for telomeres and genome integrity. However, the diverse phenotypes of RTEL1 dysfunction, the wide spectrum of symptoms caused by germline RTEL1 mutations, and the association of RTEL1 mutations with cancers suggest that RTEL1 is a complex machine that interacts with DNA, RNA, and proteins, and functions in diverse cellular pathways. We summarize the proposed functions of RTEL1 and discuss their implications for telomere maintenance. Studying RTEL1 is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between telomere maintenance and other nuclear pathways, and how compromising these pathways causes telomere biology diseases, various aging-associated pathologies, and cancer.

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, a disorder far from solved

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a range of clinical symptoms, including poikiloderma, juvenile cataracts, short stature, sparse hair, eyebrows/eyelashes, nail dysplasia, and skeletal abnormalities. While classically associated with mutations in the RECQL4 gene, which encodes a DNA helicase involved in DNA replication and repair, three additional genes have been recently identified in RTS: ANAPC1, encoding a subunit of the APC/C complex; DNA2, which encodes a nuclease/helicase involved in DNA repair; and CRIPT, encoding a poorly characterized protein implicated in excitatory synapse formation and splicing. Here, we review the clinical spectrum of RTS patients, analyze the genetic basis of the disease, and discuss molecular functions of the affected genes, drawing some novel genotype-phenotype correlations and proposing avenues for future studies into this enigmatic disorder.

Telomerase inhibitors TMPyP4 and thymoquinone decreased cell proliferation and induced cell death in the non-small cell lung cancer cell line LC-HK2, modifying the pattern of focal adhesion

G-quadruplexes (G4) are structures formed at the ends of telomeres rich in guanines and stabilized by molecules that bind to specific sites. TMPyP4 and thymoquinone (TQ) are small molecules that bind to G4 and have drawn attention because of their role as telomerase inhibitors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of telomerase inhibitors on cellular proliferation, senescence, and death. Two cell lines, LC-HK2 (non-small cell lung cancer - NSCLC) and RPE-1 (hTERT-immortalized), were treated with TMPyP4 (5 μM) and TQ (10 μM). Both inhibitors decreased telomerase activity. TMPyP4 increased the percentage of cells with membrane damage associated with cell death and decreased the frequency of cells in the S-phase. TMPyP4 reduced cell adhesion ability and modified the pattern of focal adhesion. TQ acted in a concentration-dependent manner, increasing the frequency of senescent cells and inducing cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Thus, the present results showed that TMPyP4 and TQ, although acting as telomerase inhibitors, had a broader effect on other signaling pathways and processes in cells, differing from each other. However, they act both on malignant and immortalized cells, and further studies are needed before their anti-cancer potential can be considered.

Extrachromosomal Telomeres Derived from Excessive Strand Displacements

Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) is a telomere maintenance mechanism mediated by break-induced replication (BIR), evident in approximately 15% of human cancers. A characteristic feature of ALT cancers is the presence of C-circles, circular single-stranded telomeric DNAs composed of C-rich sequences. Despite the fact that extrachromosomal C-rich single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs), unique to ALT cells, are considered potential precursors of C-circles, their generation process remains undefined. Here, we introduce a highly sensitive method to detect single stranded telomeric DNA, called 4SET (Strand-Specific Southern-blot for Single-stranded Extrachromosomal Telomeres) assay. Utilizing 4SET, we are able to capture C-rich single stranded DNAs that are near 200 to 1500 nucleotides in size. Both linear C-rich ssDNAs and C-circles are abundant in the fractions of cytoplasm and nucleoplasm, which supports the idea that linear C-rich ssDNA accumulation may indeed precede C-circle formation. We also found that C-rich ssDNAs originate during Okazaki fragment processing during lagging strand DNA synthesis. The generation of C-rich ssDNA requires CST-PP (CTC1/STN1/TEN1-PRIMASE-Polymerase alpha) complex-mediated priming of the C-strand DNA synthesis and subsequent excessive strand displacement of the C-rich strand mediated by the DNA Polymerase delta and the BLM helicase. Our work proposes a new model for the generation of C-rich ssDNAs and C-circles during ALT-mediated telomere elongation.

G-quadruplex resolution: From molecular mechanisms to physiological relevance

Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into stable four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes or G4s. Research in the past decade demonstrated that G4 structures are widespread in the genome and prevalent in regulatory regions of actively transcribed genes. The formation of G4s has been tightly linked to important biological processes including regulation of gene expression and genome maintenance. However, they can also pose a serious threat to genome integrity especially by impeding DNA replication, and G4-associated somatic mutations have been found accumulated in the cancer genomes. Specialised DNA helicases and single stranded DNA binding proteins that can resolve G4 structures play a crucial role in preventing genome instability. The large variety of G4 unfolding proteins suggest the presence of multiple G4 resolution mechanisms in cells. Recently, there has been considerable progress in our detailed understanding of how G4s are resolved, especially during DNA replication. In this review, we first discuss the current knowledge of the genomic G4 landscapes and the impact of G4 structures on DNA replication and genome integrity. We then describe the recent progress on the mechanisms that resolve G4 structures and their physiological relevance. Finally, we discuss therapeutic opportunities to target G4 structures.

DHX36 maintains genomic integrity by unwinding G-quadruplexes

The guanine-rich stretch of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) forms a G-quadruplex (G4) in a fraction of genic and intergenic chromosomal regions. The probability of G4 formation increases during events causing ssDNA generation, such as transcription and replication. In turn, G4 abrogates these events, leading to DNA damage. DHX36 unwinds G4-DNA in vitro and in human cells. However, its spatial correlation with G4-DNA in vivo and its role in genome maintenance remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate a connection between DHX36 and G4-DNA and its implications for genomic integrity. The nuclear localization of DHX36 overlapped with that of G4-DNA, RNA polymerase II, and a splicing-related factor. Depletion of DHX36 resulted in accumulated DNA damage, slower cell growth, and enhanced cell growth inhibition upon treatment with a G4-stabilizing compound; DHX36 expression reversed these defects. In contrast, the reversal upon expression of DHX36 mutants that could not bind G4 was imperfect. Thus, DHX36 may suppress DNA damage by promoting the clearance of G4-DNA for cell growth and survival. Our findings deepen the understanding of G4 resolution in the maintenance of genomic integrity.

FANCD2 and RAD51 recombinase directly inhibit DNA2 nuclease at stalled replication forks and FANCD2 acts as a novel RAD51 mediator in strand exchange to promote genome stability

FANCD2 protein, a key coordinator and effector of the interstrand crosslink repair pathway, is also required to prevent excessive nascent strand degradation at hydroxyurea-induced stalled forks. The RAD51 recombinase has also been implicated in regulation of resection at stalled replication forks. The mechanistic contributions of these proteins to fork protection are not well understood. Here, we used purified FANCD2 and RAD51 to study how each protein regulates DNA resection at stalled forks. We characterized three mechanisms of FANCD2-mediated fork protection: (1) The N-terminal domain of FANCD2 inhibits the essential DNA2 nuclease activity by directly binding to DNA2 accounting for over-resection in FANCD2 defective cells. (2) Independent of dimerization with FANCI, FANCD2 itself stabilizes RAD51 filaments to inhibit multiple nucleases, including DNA2, MRE11 and EXO1. (3) Unexpectedly, we uncovered a new FANCD2 function: by stabilizing RAD51 filaments, FANCD2 acts to stimulate the strand exchange activity of RAD51. Our work biochemically explains non-canonical mechanisms by which FANCD2 and RAD51 protect stalled forks. We propose a model in which the strand exchange activity of FANCD2 provides a simple molecular explanation for genetic interactions between FANCD2 and BRCA2 in the FA/BRCA fork protection pathway.

Cooperative interaction of CST and RECQ4 resolves G-quadruplexes and maintains telomere stability

Human CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) is a ssDNA-binding complex that interacts with the replisome to aid in stalled fork rescue. We previously found that CST promotes telomere replication to maintain genomic integrity via G-quadruplex (G4) resolution. However, the detailed mechanism by which CST resolves G4s in vivo and whether additional factors are involved remains unclear. Here, we identify RECQ4 as a novel CST-interacting partner and show that RECQ4 can unwind G4 structures in vitro using a FRET assay. Moreover, G4s accumulate at the telomere after RECQ4 depletion, resulting in telomere dysfunction, including the formation of MTSs, SFEs, and TIFs, suggesting that RECQ4 is crucial for telomere integrity. Furthermore, CST is also required for RECQ4 telomere or chromatin localization in response to G4 stabilizers. RECQ4 is involved in preserving genomic stability by CST and RECQ4 disruption impairs restart of replication forks stalled by G4s. Overall, our findings highlight the essential roles of CST and RECQ4 in resolving G-rich regions, where they collaborate to resolve G4-induced replication deficiencies and maintain genomic homeostasis.

In vivo dynamics and regulation of DNA G-quadruplex structures in mammals

G-quadruplex (G4) is a four-stranded helical DNA secondary structure formed by guanine-rich sequence folding, and G4 has been computationally predicted to exist in a wide range of species. Substantial evidence has supported the formation of endogenous G4 (eG4) in living cells and revealed its regulatory dynamics and critical roles in several important biological processes, making eG4 a regulator of gene expression perturbation and a promising therapeutic target in disease biology. Here, we reviewed the methods for prediction of potential G4 sequences (PQS) and detection of eG4s. We also highlighted the factors affecting the dynamics of eG4s and the effects of eG4 dynamics. Finally, we discussed the future applications of eG4 dynamics in disease therapy.

G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease

Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.

Okazaki fragment maturation: DNA flap dynamics for cell proliferation and survival

Unsuccessful processing of Okazaki fragments leads to the accumulation of DNA breaks which are associated with many human diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, Okazaki fragment maturation (OFM) has received renewed attention regarding how unprocessed Okazaki fragments are sensed and repaired, and how inappropriate OFM impacts on genome stability and cell viability, especially in cancer cells. We provide an overview of the highly efficient and faithful canonical OFM pathways and their regulation of genomic integrity and cell survival. We also discuss how cells induce alternative error-prone OFM processes to promote cell survival in response to environmental stresses. Such stress-induced OFM processes may be important mechanisms driving mutagenesis, cellular evolution, and resistance to radio/chemotherapy and targeted therapeutics in human cancers.

EXO1-mediated DNA repair by single-strand annealing is essential for BRCA1-deficient cells

Deficiency for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) via homologous recombination (HR) leads to chromosomal instability and diseases such as cancer. Yet, defective HR also results in vulnerabilities that can be exploited for targeted therapy. Here, we identify such a vulnerability and show that BRCA1-deficient cells are dependent on the long-range end-resection factor EXO1 for survival. EXO1 loss results in DNA replication-induced lesions decorated by poly(ADP-ribose)-chains. In cells that lack both BRCA1 and EXO1, this is accompanied by unresolved DSBs due to impaired single-strand annealing (SSA), a DSB repair process that requires the activity of both proteins. In contrast, BRCA2-deficient cells have increased SSA, also in the absence of EXO1, and hence are not dependent on EXO1 for survival. In agreement with our mechanistic data, BRCA1-mutated tumours have elevated EXO1 expression and contain more genomic signatures of SSA compared to BRCA1-proficient tumours. Collectively, our data indicate that EXO1 is a promising novel target for treatment of BRCA1-deficient tumours.

Telomere Fragility and MiDAS: Managing the Gaps at the End of the Road

Telomeres present inherent difficulties to the DNA replication machinery due to their repetitive sequence content, formation of non-B DNA secondary structures, and the presence of the nucleo-protein t-loop. Especially in cancer cells, telomeres are hot spots for replication stress, which can result in a visible phenotype in metaphase cells termed "telomere fragility". A mechanism cells employ to mitigate replication stress, including at telomeres, is DNA synthesis in mitosis (MiDAS). While these phenomena are both observed in mitotic cells, the relationship between them is poorly understood; however, a common link is DNA replication stress. In this review, we will summarize what is known to regulate telomere fragility and telomere MiDAS, paying special attention to the proteins which play a role in these telomere phenotypes.

Roles of G4-DNA and G4-RNA in Class Switch Recombination and Additional Regulations in B-Lymphocytes

Mature B cells notably diversify immunoglobulin (Ig) production through class switch recombination (CSR), allowing the junction of distant "switch" (S) regions. CSR is initiated by activation-induced deaminase (AID), which targets cytosines adequately exposed within single-stranded DNA of transcribed targeted S regions, with a specific affinity for WRCY motifs. In mammals, G-rich sequences are additionally present in S regions, forming canonical G-quadruplexes (G4s) DNA structures, which favor CSR. Small molecules interacting with G4-DNA (G4 ligands), proved able to regulate CSR in B lymphocytes, either positively (such as for nucleoside diphosphate kinase isoforms) or negatively (such as for RHPS4). G4-DNA is also implicated in the control of transcription, and due to their impact on both CSR and transcriptional regulation, G4-rich sequences likely play a role in the natural history of B cell malignancies. Since G4-DNA stands at multiple locations in the genome, notably within oncogene promoters, it remains to be clarified how it can more specifically promote legitimate CSR in physiology, rather than pathogenic translocation. The specific regulatory role of G4 structures in transcribed DNA and/or in corresponding transcripts and recombination hereby appears as a major issue for understanding immune responses and lymphomagenesis.

TERRA and RAD51AP1 promote alternative lengthening of telomeres through an R- to D-loop switch

Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), a telomerase-independent process maintaining telomeres, is mediated by break-induced replication (BIR). RAD52 promotes ALT by facilitating D-loop formation, but ALT also occurs through a RAD52-independent BIR pathway. Here, we show that the telomere non-coding RNA TERRA forms dynamic telomeric R-loops and contributes to ALT activity in RAD52 knockout cells. TERRA forms R-loops in vitro and at telomeres in a RAD51AP1-dependent manner. The formation of R-loops by TERRA increases G-quadruplexes (G4s) at telomeres. G4 stabilization enhances ALT even when TERRA is depleted, suggesting that G4s act downstream of R-loops to promote BIR. In vitro, the telomeric R-loops assembled by TERRA and RAD51AP1 generate G4s, which persist after R-loop resolution and allow formation of telomeric D-loops without RAD52. Thus, the dynamic telomeric R-loops formed by TERRA and RAD51AP1 enable the RAD52-independent ALT pathway, and G4s orchestrate an R- to D-loop switch at telomeres to stimulate BIR.

Research on Werner Syndrome: Trends from Past to Present and Future Prospects

A rare and autosomal recessive premature aging disorder, Werner syndrome (WS) is characterized by the early onset of aging-associated diseases, including shortening stature, alopecia, bilateral cataracts, skin ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and chromosomal instability, as well as cancer predisposition. WRN, the gene responsible for WS, encodes DNA helicase with a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, and numerous studies have revealed that WRN helicase is involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability through actions in DNA, e.g., DNA replication, repair, recombination, and epigenetic regulation via interaction with DNA repair factors, telomere-binding proteins, histone modification enzymes, and other DNA metabolic factors. However, although these efforts have elucidated the cellular functions of the helicase in cell lines, they have not been linked to the treatment of the disease. Life expectancy has improved for WS patients over the past three decades, and it is hoped that a fundamental treatment for the disease will be developed. Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been established, and these are expected to be used in drug discovery and regenerative medicine for WS patients. In this article, we review trends in research to date and present some perspectives on WS research with regard to the application of pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, the elucidation of disease mechanisms and drug discovery utilizing the vast amount of scientific data accumulated to date will be discussed.

DNA2 mutation causing multisystemic disorder with impaired mitochondrial DNA maintenance

PURPOSE

To describe a novel DNA2 variant contributing to defects in mtDNA maintenance and mtDNA depletion syndrome (MDS), and the clinical and histological findings associated with this variation.

METHODS

Herein, we describe the case of a patient who presented with hearing loss and myopathy, given the family history of similar findings in the father, was evaluated by sequencing of the deafness gene panel, mitochondrial genome, and the exome. Furthermore, tissue staining, mtDNA copy number detection, mtDNA sequencing, and long-range polymerase chain reaction tests were also conducted on the muscle biopsy specimen. In vitro experiments, including analyses of the mtDNA copy number; levels of ATP, ATPase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS); and the membrane potential, were performed.

RESULTS

The DNA2 heterozygous truncating variant c. 2368C > T (p.Q790X) was identified and verified as the cause of an mtDNA copy number decrement in both functional experiments and muscle tissue analyses. These changes were accompanied by reductions in ATP, ATPase, and ROS levels.

CONCLUSION

The DNA2 variant was a likely cause of MDS in this patient. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of MDS and improve our understanding of the functions of DNA2 by revealing its novel role in mtDNA maintenance.

Mammalian Resilience Revealed by a Comparison of Human Diseases and Mouse Models Associated With DNA Helicase Deficiencies

Maintaining genomic integrity is critical for sustaining individual animals and passing on the genome to subsequent generations. Several enzymes, such as DNA helicases and DNA polymerases, are involved in maintaining genomic integrity by unwinding and synthesizing the genome, respectively. Indeed, several human diseases that arise caused by deficiencies in these enzymes have long been known. In this review, the author presents the DNA helicases associated with human diseases discovered to date using recent analyses, including exome sequences. Since several mouse models that reflect these human diseases have been developed and reported, this study also summarizes the current knowledge regarding the outcomes of DNA helicase deficiencies in humans and mice and discusses possible mechanisms by which DNA helicases maintain genomic integrity in mammals. It also highlights specific diseases that demonstrate mammalian resilience, in which, despite the presence of genomic instability, patients and mouse models have lifespans comparable to those of the general population if they do not develop cancers; finally, this study discusses future directions for therapeutic applications in humans that can be explored using these mouse models.

Kinetics measurements of G-quadruplex binding and unfolding by helicases

G-quadruplex structures (G4s) form readily in DNA and RNA and play diverse roles in gene expression and other processes, and their inappropriate formation and stabilization are linked to human diseases. G4s are inherently long-lived, such that their timely unfolding depends on a suite of DNA and RNA helicase proteins. Biochemical analysis of G4 binding and unfolding by individual helicase proteins is important for establishing their levels of activity, affinity, and specificity for G4s, including individual G4s of varying sequence and structure. Here we describe a set of simple, accessible methods in which electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) are used to measure the kinetics of G4 binding, dissociation, and unfolding by helicase proteins. We focus on practical considerations and the pitfalls that are most likely to arise when these methods are used to study the activities of helicases on G4s.

Creation and resolution of non-B-DNA structural impediments during replication

During replication, folding of the DNA template into non-B-form secondary structures provides one of the most abundant impediments to the smooth progression of the replisome. The core replisome collaborates with multiple accessory factors to ensure timely and accurate duplication of the genome and epigenome. Here, we discuss the forces that drive non-B structure formation and the evidence that secondary structures are a significant and frequent source of replication stress that must be actively countered. Taking advantage of recent advances in the molecular and structural biology of the yeast and human replisomes, we examine how structures form and how they may be sensed and resolved during replication.

DNA G-quadruplex structure participates in regulation of lipid metabolism through acyl-CoA binding protein

G-quadruplex structure (G4) is a type of DNA secondary structure that widely exists in the genomes of many organisms. G4s are believed to participate in multiple biological processes. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP), a ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved protein in eukaryotic cells, plays important roles in lipid metabolism by transporting and protecting acyl-CoA esters. Here, we report the functional identification of a G4 in the promoter of the ACBP gene in silkworm and human cancer cells. We found that G4 exists as a conserved element in the promoters of ACBP genes in invertebrates and vertebrates. The BmACBP G4 bound with G4-binding protein LARK regulated BmACBP transcription, which was blocked by the G4 stabilizer pyridostatin (PDS) and G4 antisense oligonucleotides. PDS treatment with fifth instar silkworm larvae decreased the BmACBP expression and triacylglycerides (TAG) level, resulting in reductions in fat body mass, body size and weight and growth and metamorphic rates. PDS treatment and knocking out of the HsACBP G4 in human hepatic adenocarcinoma HepG2 cells inhibited the expression of HsACBP and decreased the TAG level and cell proliferation. Altogether, our findings suggest that G4 of the ACBP genes is involved in regulation of lipid metabolism processes in invertebrates and vertebrates.

Polymerase ζ is Involved in Mitochondrial DNA Maintenance Processes in Concert with APE1 Activity

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damaged by reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers so far poorly understood processes of mtDNA maintenance that are coordinated by a complex interplay among DNA repair, DNA degradation, and DNA replication. This study was designed to identify the proteins involved in mtDNA maintenance by applying a special long-range PCR, reflecting mtDNA integrity in the minor arc. A siRNA screening of literature-based candidates was performed under conditions of enforced oxidative phosphorylation revealing the functional group of polymerases and therein polymerase ζ (POLZ) as top hits. Thus, POLZ knockdown caused mtDNA accumulation, which required the activity of the base excision repair (BER) nuclease APE1, and was followed by compensatory mtDNA replication determined by the single-cell mitochondrial in situ hybridization protocol (mTRIP). Quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria unveiled an additional, ROS-independent involvement of POLZ in the formation of a typical deletion in the minor arc region. Together with data demonstrating the localization of POLZ in mitochondria, we suggest that POLZ plays a significant role in mtDNA turnover, particularly under conditions of oxidative stress.

The Drosophila Mutagen-Sensitivity Gene mus109 Encodes DmDNA2

The identification of mutants through forward genetic screens is the backbone of Drosophila genetics research, yet many mutants identified through these screens have yet to be mapped to the Drosophila genome. This is especially true of mutants that have been identified as mutagen-sensitive (mus), but have not yet been mapped to their associated molecular locus. Our study addressed the need for additional mus gene identification by determining the locus and exploring the function of the X-linked mutagen-sensitive gene mus109 using three available mutant alleles: mus109^D1, mus109^D2, and mus109^lS. After first confirming that all three mus109 alleles were sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) using complementation analysis, we used deletion mapping to narrow the candidate genes for mus109. Through DNA sequencing, we were able to determine that mus109 is the uncharacterized gene CG2990, which encodes the Drosophila ortholog of the highly conserved DNA2 protein that is important for DNA replication and repair. We further used the sequence and structure of DNA2 to predict the impact of the mus109 allele mutations on the final gene product. Together, these results provide a tool for researchers to further investigate the role of DNA2 in DNA repair processes in Drosophila.

The Cellular Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of G-Quadruplex Unwinding Helicases in Humans

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable non-canonical secondary structures formed by G-rich DNA or RNA sequences. They play various regulatory roles in many biological processes. It is commonly agreed that G4 unwinding helicases play key roles in G4 metabolism and function, and these processes are closely related to physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, more and more functional and mechanistic details of G4 helicases have been discovered; therefore, it is necessary to carefully sort out the current research efforts. Here, we provide a systematic summary of G4 unwinding helicases from the perspective of functions and molecular mechanisms. First, we provide a general introduction about helicases and G4s. Next, we comprehensively summarize G4 unfolding helicases in humans and their proposed cellular functions. Then, we review their study methods and molecular mechanisms. Finally, we share our perspective on further prospects. We believe this review will provide opportunities for researchers to reach the frontiers in the functions and molecular mechanisms of human G4 unwinding helicases.

The Relevance of G-Quadruplexes for DNA Repair

DNA molecules can adopt a variety of alternative structures. Among these structures are G-quadruplex DNA structures (G4s), which support cellular function by affecting transcription, translation, and telomere maintenance. These structures can also induce genome instability by stalling replication, increasing DNA damage, and recombination events. G-quadruplex-driven genome instability is connected to tumorigenesis and other genetic disorders. In recent years, the connection between genome stability, DNA repair and G4 formation was further underlined by the identification of multiple DNA repair proteins and ligands which bind and stabilize said G4 structures to block specific DNA repair pathways. The relevance of G4s for different DNA repair pathways is complex and depends on the repair pathway itself. G4 structures can induce DNA damage and block efficient DNA repair, but they can also support the activity and function of certain repair pathways. In this review, we highlight the roles and consequences of G4 DNA structures for DNA repair initiation, processing, and the efficiency of various DNA repair pathways.

G-quadruplex DNA: a novel target for drug design

G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is a type of quadruple helix structure formed by a continuous guanine-rich DNA sequence. Emerging evidence in recent years authenticated that G4 DNA structures exist both in cell-free and cellular systems, and function in different diseases, especially in various cancers, aging, neurological diseases, and have been considered novel promising targets for drug design. In this review, we summarize the detection method and the structure of G4, highlighting some non-canonical G4 DNA structures, such as G4 with a bulge, a vacancy, or a hairpin. Subsequently, the functions of G4 DNA in physiological processes are discussed, especially their regulation of DNA replication, transcription of disease-related genes (c-MYC, BCL-2, KRAS, c-KIT et al.), telomere maintenance, and epigenetic regulation. Typical G4 ligands that target promoters and telomeres for drug design are also reviewed, including ellipticine derivatives, quinoxaline analogs, telomestatin analogs, berberine derivatives, and CX-5461, which is currently in advanced phase I/II clinical trials for patients with hematologic cancer and BRCA1/2-deficient tumors. Furthermore, since the long-term stable existence of G4 DNA structures could result in genomic instability, we summarized the G4 unfolding mechanisms emerged recently by multiple G4-specific DNA helicases, such as Pif1, RecQ family helicases, FANCJ, and DHX36. This review aims to present a general overview of the field of G-quadruplex DNA that has progressed in recent years and provides potential strategies for drug design and disease treatment.

Impact of G-Quadruplexes on the Regulation of Genome Integrity, DNA Damage and Repair

DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are known to be an integral part of the complex regulatory systems in both normal and pathological cells. At the same time, the ability of G4s to impede DNA replication plays a critical role in genome integrity. This review summarizes the results of recent studies of G4-mediated genomic and epigenomic instability, together with associated DNA damage and repair processes. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, it is known that, among the proteins that recognize G4 structures, many are linked to DNA repair. We analyzed the possible role of G4s in promoting double-strand DNA breaks, one of the most deleterious DNA lesions, and their repair via error-prone mechanisms. The patterns of G4 damage, with a focus on the introduction of oxidative guanine lesions, as well as their removal from G4 structures by canonical repair pathways, were also discussed together with the effects of G4s on the repair machinery. According to recent findings, there must be a delicate balance between G4-induced genome instability and G4-promoted repair processes. A broad overview of the factors that modulate the stability of G4 structures in vitro and in vivo is also provided here.

Multiple G-quadruplexes in the LMNA promoter regulate LMNA variant 6 transcription and promote colon cancer cell growth

Lamin A/C proteins, major components of the nuclear lamina, are encoded by the LMNA gene. These proteins have multiple cellular functions, including DNA transcription and replication, chromatin organization, regulation of the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Mutations in LMNA are associated with a variety of diseases called laminopathies. LMNA has implications in cancer; however, its mechanisms of dysregulation in cancer cells are not yet fully understood. In this study, among the LMNA transcript variants, we focused on a transcriptional variant 6 (termed LMNA-V6), which contains unique 3 exons upstream of exon 1 of LMNA. The promoter region of LMNA-V6 formed multiple G-quadruplexes and increased its transcriptional activity. Moreover, LMNA-V6 negatively regulated other LMNA mRNA variants, lamin A and lamin C, via direct interaction with their promoter. Knockdown of LMNA-V6 decreased the proliferation of colon cancer cells, whereas overexpression of the unique 3 exons of LMNA-V6 increased cell growth. Furthermore, microarray gene expression profiling showed that alteration of LMNA-V6 levels influenced the expression of p53 in colon cancer cells. Taken together, the results suggest that LMNA-V6 may be a novel functional RNA whose expression is regulated through multiple G-quadruplexes in colon cancer cells.

Transcription/Replication Conflicts in Tumorigenesis and Their Potential Role as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Multiple Myeloma

Simple Summary

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic cancer characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. It remains a mostly incurable disease due to the inability to overcome refractory disease and drug-resistant relapse. Oncogenic transformation of PC in multiple myeloma is thought to occur within the secondary lymphoid organs. However, the precise molecular events leading to myelomagenesis remain obscure. Here, we identified genes involved in the prevention and the resolution of conflicts between the replication and transcription significantly overexpressed during the plasma cell differentiation process and in multiple myeloma cells. We discussed the potential role of these factors in myelomagenesis and myeloma biology. The specific targeting of these factors might constitute a new therapeutic strategy in multiple myeloma.

Abstract

Plasma cells (PCs) have an essential role in humoral immune response by secretion of antibodies, and represent the final stage of B lymphocytes differentiation. During this differentiation, the pre-plasmablastic stage is characterized by highly proliferative cells that start to secrete immunoglobulins (Igs). Thus, replication and transcription must be tightly regulated in these cells to avoid transcription/replication conflicts (TRCs), which could increase replication stress and lead to genomic instability. In this review, we analyzed expression of genes involved in TRCs resolution during B to PC differentiation and identified 41 genes significantly overexpressed in the pre-plasmablastic stage. This illustrates the importance of mechanisms required for adequate processing of TRCs during PCs differentiation. Furthermore, we identified that several of these factors were also found overexpressed in purified PCs from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) compared to normal PCs. Malignant PCs produce high levels of Igs concomitantly with cell cycle deregulation. Therefore, increasing the TRCs occurring in MM cells could represent a potent therapeutic strategy for MM patients. Here, we describe the potential roles of TRCs resolution factors in myelomagenesis and discuss the therapeutic interest of targeting the TRCs resolution machinery in MM.

To Join or Not to Join: Decision Points Along the Pathway to Double-Strand Break Repair vs. Chromosome End Protection

The regulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and telomeres are diametrically opposed in the cell. DSBs are considered one of the most deleterious forms of DNA damage and must be quickly recognized and repaired. Telomeres, on the other hand, are specialized, stable DNA ends that must be protected from recognition as DSBs to inhibit unwanted chromosome fusions. Decisions to join DNA ends, or not, are therefore critical to genome stability. Yet, the processing of telomeres and DSBs share many commonalities. Accordingly, key decision points are used to shift DNA ends toward DSB repair vs. end protection. Additionally, DSBs can be repaired by two major pathways, namely homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The choice of which repair pathway is employed is also dictated by a series of decision points that shift the break toward HR or NHEJ. In this review, we will focus on these decision points and the mechanisms that dictate end protection vs. DSB repair and DSB repair choice.

MIF is a 3' flap nuclease that facilitates DNA replication and promotes tumor growth

How cancer cells cope with high levels of replication stress during rapid proliferation is currently unclear. Here, we show that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a 3’ flap nuclease that translocates to the nucleus in S phase. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 co-localizes with MIF to the DNA replication fork, where MIF nuclease activity is required to resolve replication stress and facilitates tumor growth. MIF loss in cancer cells leads to mutation frequency increases, cell cycle delays and DNA synthesis and cell growth inhibition, which can be rescued by restoring MIF, but not nuclease-deficient MIF mutant. MIF is significantly upregulated in breast tumors and correlates with poor overall survival in patients. We propose that MIF is a unique 3’ nuclease, excises flaps at the immediate 3’ end during DNA synthesis and favors cancer cells evading replication stress-induced threat for their growth.

Replication stress is associated with cancer formation and progression. Here the authors reveal that the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) functions as 3’ flap nuclease involved in resolving replication stress affecting overall tumor progression.

Mouse Models for Deciphering the Impact of Homologous Recombination on Tumorigenesis

Homologous recombination (HR) is a fundamental evolutionarily conserved process that plays prime role(s) in genome stability maintenance through DNA repair and through the protection and resumption of arrested replication forks. Many HR genes are deregulated in cancer cells. Notably, the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, two important HR players, are the most frequently mutated genes in familial breast and ovarian cancer. Transgenic mice constitute powerful tools to unravel the intricate mechanisms controlling tumorigenesis in vivo. However, the genes central to HR are essential in mammals, and their knockout leads to early embryonic lethality in mice. Elaborated strategies have been developed to overcome this difficulty, enabling one to analyze the consequences of HR disruption in vivo. In this review, we first briefly present the molecular mechanisms of HR in mammalian cells to introduce each factor in the HR process. Then, we present the different mouse models of HR invalidation and the consequences of HR inactivation on tumorigenesis. Finally, we discuss the use of mouse models for the development of targeted cancer therapies as well as perspectives on the future potential for understanding the mechanisms of HR inactivation-driven tumorigenesis in vivo.

miR-376a Provokes Rectum Adenocarcinoma Via CTC1 Depletion-Induced Telomere Dysfunction

CTC1 is a component of the mammalian CST (CTC1–STN1–TEN1) complex which plays essential roles in resolving replication problems to facilitate telomeric DNA and genomic DNA replication. We previously reported that the depletion of CTC1 leads to stalled replication fork restart defects. Moreover, the mutation in CTC1 caused cancer-prone diseases including Coats plus (CP) or dyskeratosis congenita (DC). To better understand the CTC1 regulatory axis, the microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting to CTC1 were predicted by a bioinformatics tool, and the selected candidates were further confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Here, our current results revealed that miR-376a significantly reduced CTC1 expression at the transcription level by recognizing CTC1 3′-UTR. In addition, the overexpression of miR-376a induced telomere replication defection and resulted in direct replicative telomere damage, which could be rescued by adding back CTC1. Telomere shortening was also observed upon miR-376a treatment. Furthermore, for the clinical patient samples, the high expression of miR-376a was associated with the deregulation of CTC1 and a poor outcome for the rectum adenocarcinoma patients. Together, our results uncovered a novel role of miR-376a in stimulating rectum adenocarcinoma progression via CTC1 downregulating induced telomere dysfunction.

DNA2 in Chromosome Stability and Cell Survival-Is It All about Replication Forks?

The conserved nuclease-helicase DNA2 has been linked to mitochondrial myopathy, Seckel syndrome, and cancer. Across species, the protein is indispensable for cell proliferation. On the molecular level, DNA2 has been implicated in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, checkpoint activation, Okazaki fragment processing (OFP), and telomere homeostasis. More recently, a critical contribution of DNA2 to the replication stress response and recovery of stalled DNA replication forks (RFs) has emerged. Here, we review the available functional and phenotypic data and propose that the major cellular defects associated with DNA2 dysfunction, and the links that exist with human disease, can be rationalized through the fundamental importance of DNA2-dependent RF recovery to genome duplication. Being a crucial player at stalled RFs, DNA2 is a promising target for anti-cancer therapy aimed at eliminating cancer cells by replication-stress overload.

Genome-wide analysis of DNA G-quadruplex motifs across 37 species provides insights into G4 evolution

G-quadruplex (G4) structures have been predicted in the genomes of many organisms and proven to play regulatory roles in diverse cellular activities. However, there is little information on the evolutionary history and distribution characteristics of G4s. Here, whole-genome characteristics of potential G4s were studied in 37 evolutionarily representative species. During evolution, the number, length, and density of G4s generally increased. Immunofluorescence in seven species confirmed G4s' presence and evolutionary pattern. G4s tended to cluster in chromosomes and were enriched in genetic regions. Short-loop G4s were conserved in most species, while loop-length diversity also existed, especially in mammals. The proportion of G4-bearing genes and orthologue genes, which appeared to be increasingly enriched in transcription factors, gradually increased. The antagonistic relationship between G4s and DNA methylation sites was detected. These findings imply that organisms may have evolutionarily developed G4 into a novel reversible and elaborate transcriptional regulatory mechanism benefiting multiple physiological activities of higher organisms.

G-quadruplex-R-loop interactions and the mechanism of anticancer G-quadruplex binders

Genomic DNA and cellular RNAs can form a variety of non-B secondary structures, including G-quadruplex (G4) and R-loops. G4s are constituted by stacked guanine tetrads held together by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and can form at key regulatory sites of eukaryote genomes and transcripts, including gene promoters, untranslated exon regions and telomeres. R-loops are 3-stranded structures wherein the two strands of a DNA duplex are melted and one of them is annealed to an RNA. Specific G4 binders are intensively investigated to discover new effective anticancer drugs based on a common rationale, i.e.: the selective inhibition of oncogene expression or specific impairment of telomere maintenance. However, despite the high number of known G4 binders, such a selective molecular activity has not been fully established and several published data point to a different mode of action. We will review published data that address the close structural interplay between G4s and R-loops in vitro and in vivo, and how these interactions can have functional consequences in relation to G4 binder activity. We propose that R-loops can play a previously-underestimated role in G4 binder action, in relation to DNA damage induction, telomere maintenance, genome and epigenome instability and alterations of gene expression programs.

CtIP-mediated DNA resection is dispensable for IgH class switch recombination by alternative end-joining

To generate antibodies with different effector functions, B cells undergo Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain (IgH) class switch recombination (CSR). The ligation step of CSR is usually mediated by the classical nonhomologous end-joining (cNHEJ) pathway. In cNHEJ-deficient cells, a remarkable ∼25% of CSR can be achieved by the alternative end-joining (Alt-EJ) pathway that preferentially uses microhomology (MH) at the junctions. While A-EJ-mediated repair of endonuclease-generated breaks requires DNA end resection, we show that CtIP-mediated DNA end resection is dispensable for A-EJ-mediated CSR using cNHEJ-deficient B cells. High-throughput sequencing analyses revealed that loss of ATM/ATR phosphorylation of CtIP at T855 or ATM kinase inhibition suppresses resection without altering the MH pattern of the A-EJ-mediated switch junctions. Moreover, we found that ATM kinase promotes Alt-EJ-mediated CSR by suppressing interchromosomal translocations independent of end resection. Finally, temporal analyses reveal that MHs are enriched in early internal deletions even in cNHEJ-proficient B cells. Thus, we propose that repetitive IgH switch regions represent favored substrates for MH-mediated end-joining contributing to the robustness and resection independence of A-EJ-mediated CSR.

Disease-associated DNA2 nuclease-helicase protects cells from lethal chromosome under-replication

DNA2 is an essential nuclease–helicase implicated in DNA repair, lagging-strand DNA synthesis, and the recovery of stalled DNA replication forks (RFs). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, dna2Δ inviability is reversed by deletion of the conserved helicase PIF1 and/or DNA damage checkpoint-mediator RAD9. It has been suggested that Pif1 drives the formation of long 5′-flaps during Okazaki fragment maturation, and that the essential function of Dna2 is to remove these intermediates. In the absence of Dna2, 5′-flaps are thought to accumulate on the lagging strand, resulting in DNA damage-checkpoint arrest and cell death. In line with Dna2’s role in RF recovery, we find that the loss of Dna2 results in severe chromosome under-replication downstream of endogenous and exogenous RF-stalling. Importantly, unfaithful chromosome replication in Dna2-mutant cells is exacerbated by Pif1, which triggers the DNA damage checkpoint along a pathway involving Pif1’s ability to promote homologous recombination-coupled replication. We propose that Dna2 fulfils its essential function by promoting RF recovery, facilitating replication completion while suppressing excessive RF restart by recombination-dependent replication (RDR) and checkpoint activation. The critical nature of Dna2’s role in controlling the fate of stalled RFs provides a framework to rationalize the involvement of DNA2 in Seckel syndrome and cancer.

EXO1 resection at G-quadruplex structures facilitates resolution and replication

G-quadruplexes represent unique roadblocks to DNA replication, which tends to stall at these secondary structures. Although G-quadruplexes can be found throughout the genome, telomeres, due to their G-richness, are particularly predisposed to forming these structures and thus represent difficult-to-replicate regions. Here, we demonstrate that exonuclease 1 (EXO1) plays a key role in the resolution of, and replication through, telomeric G-quadruplexes. When replication forks encounter G-quadruplexes, EXO1 resects the nascent DNA proximal to these structures to facilitate fork progression and faithful replication. In the absence of EXO1, forks accumulate at stabilized G-quadruplexes and ultimately collapse. These collapsed forks are preferentially repaired via error-prone end joining as depletion of EXO1 diverts repair away from error-free homology-dependent repair. Such aberrant repair leads to increased genomic instability, which is exacerbated at chromosome termini in the form of dysfunction and telomere loss.

G-Quadruplexes at Telomeres: Friend or Foe?

Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that cap and protect the ends of linear chromosomes. In almost all species, telomeric DNA has a G/C strand bias, and the short tandem repeats of the G-rich strand have the capacity to form into secondary structures in vitro, such as four-stranded G-quadruplexes. This has long prompted speculation that G-quadruplexes play a positive role in telomere biology, resulting in selection for G-rich tandem telomere repeats during evolution. There is some evidence that G-quadruplexes at telomeres may play a protective capping role, at least in yeast, and that they may positively affect telomere maintenance by either the enzyme telomerase or by recombination-based mechanisms. On the other hand, G-quadruplex formation in telomeric DNA, as elsewhere in the genome, can form an impediment to DNA replication and a source of genome instability. This review summarizes recent evidence for the in vivo existence of G-quadruplexes at telomeres, with a focus on human telomeres, and highlights some of the many unanswered questions regarding the location, form, and functions of these structures.

Fundamentals of G-quadruplex biology

Several decades elapsed between the first descriptions of G-quadruplex nucleic acid structures (G4s) assembled in vitro and the emergence of experimental findings indicating that such structures can form and function in living systems. A large body of evidence now supports roles for G4s in many aspects of nucleic acid biology, spanning processes from transcription and chromatin structure, mRNA processing, protein translation, DNA replication and genome stability, and telomere and mitochondrial function. Nonetheless, it must be acknowledged that some of this evidence is tentative, which is not surprising given the technical challenges associated with demonstrating G4s in biology. Here I provide an overview of evidence for G4 biology, focusing particularly on the many potential pitfalls that can be encountered in its investigation, and briefly discuss some of broader biological processes that may be impacted by G4s including cancer.

Telomere replication-When the going gets tough

Telomeres consist of repetitive tracts of DNA that shield a chromosome's contents from erosion and replicative attrition. However, telomeres are also late-replicating regions of the genome in which a myriad of replicative obstructions reside. The obstacles contained within telomeres, as well as their genomic location, drive replicative stalling and subsequent fork collapse in these regions. Consequently, large scale deletions, under-replicated DNA, translocations, and fusion events arise following telomere replication failure. Further, under-replicated DNA and telomere fusions that are permitted to enter mitosis will produce mitotic DNA bridges - known drivers of genetic loss and chromothripsis. Thus, aberrant telomere replication promotes genomic instability, which, in turn leads either to cellular death, senescence or oncogenic transformation. The importance of these issues for organismal well-being necessitates a need for resolute telomere maintenance. Here, we describe recent advances in identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms that are in place in human cells to escort the replisome through the telomere's unwieldy structures and repetitive sequences. Finally, we review the pathways that combat the deleterious outcomes that occur when telomeric replication forks do collapse.

The iron-sulphur cluster in human DNA2 is required for all biochemical activities of DNA2

The nuclease/helicase DNA2 plays important roles in DNA replication, repair and processing of stalled replication forks. DNA2 contains an iron-sulphur (FeS) cluster, conserved in eukaryotes and in a related bacterial nuclease. FeS clusters in DNA maintenance proteins are required for structural integrity and/or act as redox-sensors. Here, we demonstrate that loss of the FeS cluster affects binding of human DNA2 to specific DNA substrates, likely through a conformational change that distorts the central DNA binding tunnel. Moreover, we show that the FeS cluster is required for DNA2’s nuclease, helicase and ATPase activities. Our data also establish that oxidation of DNA2 impairs DNA binding in vitro, an effect that is reversible upon reduction. Unexpectedly, though, this redox-regulation is independent of the presence of the FeS cluster. Together, our study establishes an important structural role for the FeS cluster in human DNA2 and discovers a redox-regulatory mechanism to control DNA binding.

Mariotti et al. show that the iron-sulphur cluster in human DNA2 is required for its nuclease, helicase and ATPase activities. This study highlights the structural importance of the iron-sulphur cluster in human DNA2 and presents a separate redox-regulatory mechanism that controls DNA binding.

A Survey of Essential Genome Stability Genes Reveals That Replication Stress Mitigation Is Critical for Peri-Implantation Embryogenesis

Murine development demands that pluripotent epiblast stem cells in the peri-implantation embryo increase from approximately 120 to 14,000 cells between embryonic days (E) 4.5 and E7.5. This is possible because epiblast stem cells can complete cell cycles in under 3 h in vivo. To ensure conceptus fitness, epiblast cells must undertake this proliferative feat while maintaining genome integrity. How epiblast cells maintain genome health under such an immense proliferation demand remains unclear. To illuminate the contribution of genome stability pathways to early mammalian development we systematically reviewed knockout mouse data from 347 DDR and repair associated genes. Cumulatively, the data indicate that while many DNA repair functions are dispensable in embryogenesis, genes encoding replication stress response and homology directed repair factors are essential specifically during the peri-implantation stage of early development. We discuss the significance of these findings in the context of the unique proliferative demands placed on pluripotent epiblast stem cells.

Probing eukaryotic genome functions with synthetic chromosomes

The ability to redesign and reconstruct a cell at whole-genome level provides new platforms for biological study. The international synthetic yeast genome project-Sc2.0, designed by interrogating knowledge amassed by the yeast community to date, exemplifies how a classical synthetic biology "design-build-test-learn" engineering cycle can effectively test hypotheses about various genome fundamentals. The genome reshuffling SCRaMbLE system implemented in synthetic yeast strains also provides unprecedented diversified resources for genotype-phenotype study and yeast metabolic engineering. Further development of genome synthesis technology will shed new lights on complex biological processes in higher eukaryotes.