UV wavelength-dependent regulation of transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair in p53-deficient human cells

Irradiation potentiates p53 phosphorylation and p53 binding to the promoter and coding region of the TP53 gene

An essential factor of the DNA damage response is 53BP1, a multimeric protein that inhibits the resection-dependent double-strand break (DBS) repair. The p53 protein is a tumor suppressor known as a guardian of the genome. Although the interaction between 53BP1 and its p53 partner is well-known in regulating gene expression, a question remains whether genome injury can affect the interaction between 53BP1 and p53 proteins or p53 binding to DNA. Here, using mass spectrometry, we determine post-translational modifications and interaction properties of 53BP1 and p53 proteins in non-irradiated and γ-irradiated cells. In addition, we used Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Fluorescent Lifetime Imaging Microscopy combined with Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FLIM-FRET) for studies of p53 binding to DNA. Also, we used local laser microirradiation as a tool of advanced confocal microscopy, showing selected protein accumulation at locally induced DNA lesions. We observed that 53BP1 and p53 proteins accumulate at microirradiated chromatin but with distinct kinetics. The density of 53BP1 (53BP1pS1778) phosphorylated form was lower in DNA lesions than in the non-specified form. By mass spectrometry, we found 22 phosphorylations, 4 acetylation sites, and methylation of arginine 1355 within the DNA-binding domain of the 53BP1 protein (aa1219-1711). The p53 protein was phosphorylated on 8 amino acids and acetylated on the N-terminal domain. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of 53BP1 were not changed in cells exposed to γ-radiation, while γ-rays increased the level of S6ph and S15ph in p53. Interaction analysis showed that 53BP1 and p53 proteins have 54 identical interaction protein partners, and AFM revealed that p53 binds to both non-specific and TP53-specific sequences (AGACATGCCTA GGCATGTCT). Irradiation by γ-rays enhanced the density of the p53 protein at the AGACATGCCTAGGCATGTCT region, and the binding of p53 S15ph to the TP53 promoter was potentiated in irradiated cells. These findings show that γ-irradiation, in general, strengthens the binding of phosphorylated p53 protein to the encoding gene.

Macroenvironment-gene-microenvironment interactions in ultraviolet radiation-induced melanomagenesis

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the few major cancers that continue to exhibit a positive rate of increase in the developed world. A wealth of epidemiological data has undisputedly implicated ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sunlight and artificial sources as the major risk factor for melanomagenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms of this cause-and-effect relationship remain murky and understudied. Recent efforts on multiple fronts have brought unprecedented expansion of our knowledge base on this subject and it is now clear that melanoma is caused by a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental exposure, primarily to UVR. Here we provide an overview of the effects of the macroenvironment (UVR) on the skin microenvironment and melanocyte-specific intrinsic (mostly genetic) landscape, which conspire to produce one of the deadliest malignancies.

Persistence and Tolerance of DNA Damage Induced by Chronic UVB Irradiation of the Human Genome

Exposure to solar UVB radiation leads to the formation of the highly mutagenic cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), the DNA damage responsible for mutations found in skin cancer. The frequency of CPD formation and the repair rate of those lesions are two important parameters to determine the probability of UVR-induced mutations. Previous work has shown that chronic irradiation with sublethal doses of UVB radiation (chronic low-dose UVB radiation) leads to the accumulation of residual CPD that persists over time. We have thus investigated the persistence, localization, and consequences on genome stability of those chronic low-dose UVB radiation-induced residual CPDs. We show that chronic low-dose UVB radiation-induced residual CPDs persist on DNA and are diluted via semiconservative replication. They are overrepresented in the heterochromatin and at the TT dipyrimidine sites, and they catalyze the incidence of sister chromatin exchange. Our results shed some light on the impact of chronic UVB radiation exposure on DNA, with a focus on residual CPDs, their distribution, and consequences.

Protective Effects of Soy Oligopeptides in Ultraviolet B-Induced Acute Photodamage of Human Skin

Aim. We explored the effects of soy oligopeptides (SOP) in ultraviolet B- (UVB-) induced acute photodamage of human skin in vivo and foreskin ex vivo. Methods. We irradiated the forearm with 1.5 minimal erythemal dose (MED) of UVB for 3 consecutive days, establishing acute photodamage of skin, and topically applied SOP. Erythema index (EI), melanin index, stratum corneum hydration, and transepidermal water loss were measured by using Multiprobe Adapter 9 device. We irradiated foreskin ex vivo with the same dose of UVB (180 mJ/cm(2)) for 3 consecutive days and topically applied SOP. Sunburn cells were detected by using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Apoptotic cells were detected by using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), p53 protein, Bax protein, and Bcl-2 protein were detected by using immunohistochemical staining. Results. Compared with UVB group, UVB-irradiated skin with topically applied SOP showed significantly decreased EI. Compared with UVB group, topical SOP significantly increased Bcl-2 protein expression and decreased CPDs-positive cells, sunburn cells, apoptotic cells, p53 protein expression, and Bax protein expressions in the epidermis of UVB-irradiated foreskin. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that topical SOP can protect human skin against UVB-induced photodamage.

p53 in the DNA-Damage-Repair Process

The cells in the human body are continuously challenged by a variety of genotoxic attacks. Erroneous repair of the DNA can lead to mutations and chromosomal aberrations that can alter the functions of tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, thus causing cancer development. As a central tumor suppressor, p53 guards the genome by orchestrating a variety of DNA-damage-response (DDR) mechanisms. Already early in metazoan evolution, p53 started controlling the apoptotic demise of genomically compromised cells. p53 plays a prominent role as a facilitator of DNA repair by halting the cell cycle to allow time for the repair machineries to restore genome stability. In addition, p53 took on diverse roles to also directly impact the activity of various DNA-repair systems. It thus appears as if p53 is multitasking in providing protection from cancer development by maintaining genome stability.

A majority of human melanoma cell lines exhibits an S phase-specific defect in excision of UV-induced DNA photoproducts

It is well established that efficient removal of highly-promutagenic UV-induced dipyrimidine photoproducts via nucleotide excision repair (NER) is required for protection against sunlight-associated malignant melanoma. Nonetheless, the extent to which reduced NER capacity might contribute to individual melanoma susceptibility in the general population remains unclear. Here we show that among a panel of 14 human melanoma strains, 11 exhibit significant inhibition of DNA photoproduct removal during S phase relative to G0/G1 or G2/M. Evidence is presented that this cell cycle-specific NER defect correlates with enhanced apoptosis and reduced clonogenic survival following UV irradiation. In addition, melanoma strains deficient in S phase-specific DNA photoproduct removal manifest significantly lower levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX at 1 h post-UV, suggesting diminished activation of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3-related (ATR) kinase, i.e., a primary orchestrator of the cellular response to UV-induced DNA replication stress. Consistently, in the case of DNA photoproduct excision-proficient melanoma cells, siRNA-mediated depletion of ATR (but not of its immediate downstream effector kinase Chk1) engenders deficient NER specifically during S. On the other hand simultaneous siRNA-mediated depletion of ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) exerts no significant effect on either phosphorylation of H2AX at 1 h post-UV or the efficiency of DNA photoproduct removal. Our data suggest that defective NER exclusively during S phase, possibly associated with decreased ATR signaling, may constitute an heretofore unrecognized determinant in melanoma pathogenesis.

Regulatory interplay of Cockayne syndrome B ATPase and stress-response gene ATF3 following genotoxic stress

Cockayne syndrome type B ATPase (CSB) belongs to the SwItch/Sucrose nonfermentable family. Its mutations are linked to Cockayne syndrome phenotypes and classically are thought to be caused by defects in transcription-coupled repair, a subtype of DNA repair. Here we show that after UV-C irradiation, immediate early genes such as activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) are overexpressed. Although the ATF3 target genes, including dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), were unable to recover RNA synthesis in CSB-deficient cells, transcription was restored rapidly in normal cells. There the synthesis of DHFR mRNA restarts on the arrival of RNA polymerase II and CSB and the subsequent release of ATF3 from its cAMP response element/ATF target site. In CSB-deficient cells ATF3 remains bound to the promoter, thereby preventing the arrival of polymerase II and the restart of transcription. Silencing of ATF3, as well as stable introduction of wild-type CSB, restores RNA synthesis in UV-irradiated CSB cells, suggesting that, in addition to its role in DNA repair, CSB activity likely is involved in the reversal of inhibitory properties on a gene-promoter region. We present strong experimental data supporting our view that the transcriptional defects observed in UV-irradiated CSB cells are largely the result of a permanent transcriptional repression of a certain set of genes in addition to some defect in DNA repair.

Structure, function and regulation of CSB: a multi-talented gymnast

The Cockayne syndrome complementation group B protein, CSB, plays pivotal roles in transcription regulation and DNA repair. CSB belongs to the SNF2/SWI2 ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling protein family, and studies from many laboratories have revealed that CSB has multiple activities and modes of regulation. To understand the underlying mechanisms of Cockayne syndrome, it is necessary to understand how the biochemical activities of CSB are used to carry out its biological functions. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the structure, function and regulation of CSB, and discuss how these properties can impact the biological functions of this chromatin remodeler.

The role of altered nucleotide excision repair and UVB-induced DNA damage in melanomagenesis

UVB radiation is the most mutagenic component of the UV spectrum that reaches the earth's surface and causes the development of DNA damage in the form of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6-4 photoproducts. UV radiation usually results in cellular death, but if left unchecked, it can affect DNA integrity, cell and tissue homeostasis and cause mutations in oncogenes and tumour-suppressor genes. These mutations, if unrepaired, can lead to abnormal cell growth, increasing the risk of cancer development. Epidemiological data strongly associates UV exposure as a major factor in melanoma development, but the exact biological mechanisms involved in this process are yet to be fully elucidated. The nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is responsible for the repair of UV-induced lesions. Patients with the genetic disorder Xeroderma Pigmentosum have a mutation in one of eight NER genes associated with the XP complementation groups XP-A to XP-G and XP variant (XP-V). XP is characterized by diminished repair capacity, as well as a 1000-fold increase in the incidence of skin cancers, including melanoma. This has suggested a significant role for NER in melanoma development as a result of UVB exposure. This review discusses the current research surrounding UVB radiation and NER capacity and how further investigation of NER could elucidate the role of NER in avoiding UV-induced cellular death resulting in melanomagenesis.

Wavelength dependence of ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA damage as determined by laser irradiation suggests that cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers are the principal DNA lesions produced by terrestrial sunlight

To elucidate the involvement of specific ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths in solar mutagenesis, we used a laser system to investigate the induction of DNA damage, both in the overall genome and at the nucleotide resolution level, in the genomic DNA of transgenic Big Blue mouse fibroblasts irradiated with a series of UV wavelengths, inclusive of UVC (λ<280 nm), UVB (λ=280-320 nm), and UVA (λ>320 nm). Subsequently, we sought correlation between the locations of UV-induced DNA lesions in the cII transgene of irradiated DNA samples and the frequency distribution and codon position of the induced cII mutations in counterpart mouse cells irradiated with simulated sunlight. Using a combination of enzymatic digestion assays coupled with gel electrophoresis, immunodot blot assays, and DNA footprinting assays, we demonstrated a unique wavelength-dependent formation of photodimeric lesions, i.e., cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6-4) photoproducts [(6-4)PPs], based on direct UV absorption of DNA, in irradiated mouse genomic DNA, which could partially explain the induction of mutations in mouse cells irradiated with simulated sunlight. Most notably, there was a divergence of CPD and (6-4)PP formation at an irradiation wavelength of 296 nm in mouse genomic DNA. Whereas substantial formation of (6-4)PPs was detectable in samples irradiated at this wavelength, which intensified as the irradiation wavelength decreased, only small quantities of these lesions were found in samples irradiated at wavelengths of 300-305 nm, with no detectable level of (6-4)PPs in samples irradiated with longer wavelengths. Although CPD formation followed the same pattern of increase with decreasing wavelengths of irradiation, there were substantial levels of CPDs in samples irradiated with UVB wavelengths borderlined with UVA, and small but detectable levels of these lesions in samples irradiated with longer wavelengths. Because the terrestrial sunlight spectrum rolls off sharply at wavelengths ~300 nm, our findings suggest that CPDs are the principal lesion responsible for most DNA damage-dependent biological effects of sunlight.

Impaired repair of ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage in Cockayne syndrome cells

Cockayne syndrome (CS) cells are defective in transcription-coupled repair (TCR) and sensitive to oxidizing agents, including ionizing radiation. We examined the hypothesis that TCR plays a role in ionizing radiation-induced oxidative DNA damage repair or alternatively that CS plays a role in transcription elongation after irradiation. Irradiation with doses up to 100 Gy did not inhibit RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription in normal and CS-B fibroblasts. In contrast, RNA polymerase I-dependent transcription was severely inhibited at 5 Gy in normal cells, indicating different mechanisms of transcription response to X rays. The frequency of radiation-induced base damage was 2 × 10(-7) lesions/base/Gy, implying that 150 Gy is required to induce one lesion/30-kb transcription unit; no TCR of X-ray-induced base damage in the p53 gene was observed. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that defective TCR underlies the sensitivity of CS to ionizing radiation. Overall genome repair levels of radiation-induced DNA damage measured by repair replication were significantly reduced in CS-A and CS-B cells. Taken together, the results do not provide evidence for a key role of TCR in repair of radiation-induced oxidative damages in human cells; rather, impaired repair of oxidative lesions throughout the genome may contribute to the CS phenotype.

Nucleotide excision repair gene expression after Cisplatin treatment in melanoma

Two of the hallmark features of melanoma are its development as a result of chronic UV radiation exposure and the limited efficacy of cisplatin in the disease treatment. Both of these DNA-damaging agents result in large helix-distorting DNA damage that is recognized and repaired by nucleotide excision repair (NER). The aim of this study was to examine the expression of NER gene transcripts, p53, and p21 in melanoma cell lines treated with cisplatin compared with melanocytes. Basal expression of all genes was greater in the melanoma cell lines compared with melanocytes. Global genome repair (GGR) transcripts showed significantly decreased relative expression (RE) in melanoma cell lines 24 hours after cisplatin treatment. The basal RE of p53 was significantly higher in the melanoma cell lines compared with the melanocytes. However, induction of p53 was only significant in the melanocytes at 6 and 24 hours after cisplatin treatment. Inhibition of p53 expression significantly decreased the expression of all the GGR transcripts in melanocytes at 6 and 24 hours after cisplatin treatment. Although the RE levels were lower with p53 inhibition, the induction of the GGR genes was very similar to that in the control melanocytes and increased significantly across the time points. The findings from this study revealed reduced GGR transcript levels in melanoma cells 24 hours after cisplatin treatment. Our findings suggest a possible mechanistic explanation for the limited efficacy of cisplatin treatment and the possible role of UV light in melanoma.

UV-induced association of the CSB remodeling protein with chromatin requires ATP-dependent relief of N-terminal autorepression

The ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler CSB is essential for transcription-coupled DNA repair, and mutations in CSB lead to Cockayne syndrome. Here, we examined the recruitment of CSB to chromatin after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and uncovered a regulatory mechanism that ensures the specific association of this remodeler with chromatin. We demonstrate that ATP hydrolysis by CSB is essential for stable CSB-chromatin association after UV irradiation and that defects in this association underlie some forms of Cockayne syndrome. We also show that the N-terminal region of CSB negatively regulates chromatin association during normal cell growth. Of interest, in the absence of the negative regulatory region, ATP hydrolysis becomes dispensable for chromatin association, indicating that CSB uses energy from ATP hydrolysis to overcome the inhibitory effect imposed by its N-terminal region. Together, our results suggest that the recruitment of CSB to lesion-stalled transcription is an ATP-dependent process and involves a gross conformational change of CSB.

ATR kinase is required for global genomic nucleotide excision repair exclusively during S phase in human cells

Global-genomic nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER) is the only pathway available to humans for removal, from the genome overall, of highly genotoxic helix-distorting DNA adducts generated by many environmental mutagens and certain chemotherapeutic agents, e.g., UV-induced 6-4 photoproducts (6-4PPs) and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). The ataxia telangiectasia and rad-3-related kinase (ATR) is rapidly activated in response to UV-induced replication stress and proceeds to phosphorylate a plethora of downstream effectors that modulate primarily cell cycle checkpoints but also apoptosis and DNA repair. To investigate whether this critical kinase might participate in the regulation of GG-NER, we developed a novel flow cytometry-based DNA repair assay that allows precise evaluation of GG-NER kinetics as a function of cell cycle. Remarkably, inhibition of ATR signaling in primary human lung fibroblasts by treatment with caffeine, or with siRNA specifically targeting ATR, resulted in total inhibition of 6-4PP removal during S phase, whereas cells repaired normally during either G(0)/G(1) or G(2)/M. Similarly striking S-phase-specific defects in GG-NER of both 6-4PPs and CPDs were documented in ATR-deficient Seckel syndrome skin fibroblasts. Finally, among six diverse model human tumor strains investigated, three manifested complete abrogation of 6-4PP repair exclusively in S-phase populations. Our data reveal a highly novel role for ATR in the regulation of GG-NER uniquely during S phase of the cell cycle, and indicate that many human cancers may be characterized by a defect in this regulation.

Human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase plays a direct role in reactivating oxidized forms of the DNA repair enzyme APE1

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) has diverse biological functions including its nuclear translocation in response to oxidative stress. We show that GAPDH physically associates with APE1, an essential enzyme involved in the repair of abasic sites in damaged DNA, as well as in the redox regulation of several transcription factors. This interaction allows GAPDH to convert the oxidized species of APE1 to the reduced form, thereby reactivating its endonuclease activity to cleave abasic sites. The GAPDH variants C152G and C156G retain the ability to interact with but are unable to reactivate APE1, implicating these cysteines in catalyzing the reduction of APE1. Interestingly, GAPDH-small interfering RNA knockdown sensitized the cells to methyl methane sulfonate and bleomycin, which generate lesions that are repaired by APE1, but showed normal sensitivity to 254-nm UV. Moreover, the GAPDH knockdown cells exhibited an increased level of spontaneous abasic sites in the genomic DNA as a result of diminished APE1 endonuclease activity. Thus, the nuclear translocation of GAPDH during oxidative stress constitutes a protective mechanism to safeguard the genome by preventing structural inactivation of APE1.

Rapid repair of UVA-induced oxidized purines and persistence of UVB-induced dipyrimidine lesions determine the mutagenicity of sunlight in mouse cells

Despite the predominance of ultraviolet A (UVA) relative to UVB in terrestrial sunlight, solar mutagenesis in humans and rodents is characterized by mutations specific for UVB. We have investigated the kinetics of repair of UVA- and UVB-induced DNA lesions in relation to mutagenicity in transgenic mouse fibroblasts irradiated with equilethal doses of UVA and UVB in comparison to simulated-sunlight UV (SSL). We have also analyzed mutagenesis-derived carcinogenesis in sunlight-associated human skin cancers by compiling the published data on mutation types found in crucial genes in nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Here, we demonstrate a resistance to repair of UVB-induced cis-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine-dimers (CPDs) together with rapid removal of UVA-induced oxidized purines in the genome overall and in the cII transgene of SSL-irradiated cells. The spectra of mutation induced by both UVB and SSL irradiation in this experimental system are characterized by significant increases in relative frequency of C-->T transitions at dipyrimidines, which are the established signature mutation of CPDs. This type of mutation is also the predominant mutation found in human nonmelanoma and melanoma tumor samples in the TP53, CDKN2, PTCH, and protein kinase genes. The prevailing role of UVB over UVA in solar mutagenesis in our test system can be ascribed to different kinetics of repair for lesions induced by the respective UV irradiation.

Tanning and cutaneous malignancy

BACKGROUND

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) results in a darkening of the skin known as tanning. Recently, it has been shown that tanning is a response to UVR-induced DNA damage and represents the skin's efforts to protect itself against further injury. Despite the link between UVR and cutaneous malignancy, people continue to pursue tanning from natural and artificial sources. This trend is reflected in the exponential rise in skin cancer incidence.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review our current understanding of the factors controlling the tanning response and the relationship to cutaneous carcinogenesis, as well as the impact that the multibillion dollar tanning industry has had on the practice of dermatology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extensive literature review was conducted in subjects related to tanning and the relationship to cutaneous malignancy.

RESULTS

Our knowledge of tanning and its effects on the skin has increased tremendously. It is clear that tanning contributes to the development of skin cancer. Despite this information, the incidence of skin cancer continues to increase exponentially.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin cancer poses a major public health concern and tanning remains the most modifiable risk factor in its etiology. Social, economic, and legislative issues have become tightly intertwined with the complex nature of human behavior in the continued pursuit of an activity that clearly has detrimental effects on one's health.

Evidence of the modulation of mRNA splicing fidelity in humans by oxidative stress and p53

The majority of human genes generate mRNA splice variants and while there is little doubt that alternative splicing is an important biological phenomenon, it has also become apparent that some splice variants are associated with disease. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for generating aberrant splice variants, we have investigated alternative splicing of the human genes HPRT and POLB following oxidative stress in different genetic backgrounds. Our study revealed that splicing fidelity is sensitive to oxidative stress. Following treatment of cells with H2O2, the overall frequency of aberrant, unproductive splice variants increased in both loci. At least in POLB, splicing fidelity is p53 dependent. In the absence of p53, the frequency of POLB splice variants is elevated but oxidative stress does not further increase the frequency of splice variants. Our data indicate that mis-splicing following oxidative stress represents a novel and significant genotoxic outcome and that it is not simply DNA lesions induced by oxidative stress that lead to mis-splicing but changes in the alternative splicing machinery itself.

A sensitive flow cytometry-based nucleotide excision repair assay unexpectedly reveals that mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling does not regulate the removal of UV-induced DNA damage in human cells

In response to diverse genotoxic stimuli (e.g. UV and cisplatin), the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38alpha/beta become rapidly phosphorylated and in turn activate multiple downstream effectors that modulate apoptosis and/or growth arrest. Furthermore, previous lines of evidence have strongly suggested that ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 participate in global-genomic nucleotide excision repair, a critical antineoplastic pathway that removes helix-distorting DNA adducts induced by a variety of mutagenic agents, including UV. To rigorously evaluate the potential role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in global-genomic nucleotide excision repair, various human cell strains (primary skin fibroblasts, primary lung fibroblasts, and HCT116 colon carcinoma cells) were treated with highly specific chemical inhibitors, which, following UV exposure, (i) abrogated the capacities of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, or p38alpha/beta to phosphorylate specific downstream effectors and (ii) characteristically modulated cellular proliferation, clonogenic survival, and/or apoptosis. A highly sensitive flow cytometry-based nucleotide excision repair assay recently optimized and validated in our laboratory was then employed to directly demonstrate that the kinetics of UV DNA photoadduct repair are highly similar in mock-treated versus mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor-treated cells. These data on primary and tumor cells treated with pharmacological inhibitors were fully corroborated by repair studies using (i) short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of ERK1/2 or JNK1/2 in human U2OS osteosarcoma cells and (ii) expression of a dominant negative p38alpha mutant in human primary lung fibroblasts. Our results provide solid evidence for the first time, in disaccord with a burgeoning perception, that mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling does not influence the efficiency of human global-genomic nucleotide excision repair.

The novel PIAS-like protein hZimp10 is a transcriptional co-activator of the p53 tumor suppressor

The tumor suppressor, p53, plays critical roles in the cell cycle progression, DNA repair and apoptosis. The PIAS proteins (protein inhibitor of activated STAT) were originally identified as inhibitors of the JAK-STAT pathway. Subsequently, crosstalk between the PIAS proteins and other signaling pathways has been shown to be involved in various cellular processes. Particularly, previous studies have demonstrated that PIAS proteins regulate p53-mediated transcription through sumoylation. hZimp10, also named zmiz1, is a novel PIAS-like protein and functions as a transcriptional co-activator. We recently identified p53 to be an hZimp10 interacting protein in the yeast two-hybrid screen. The interaction between p53 and hZimp10 was confirmed by GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Co-localization of p53 and hZimp10 proteins was also observed within cell nuclei by immunostaining. Moreover, we show that expression of exogenous hZimp10 enhances the transcriptional activity of p53 and knockdown of endogenous hZimp10 reduces the transcriptional activity of p53. Furthermore, using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrate that hZimp10 binds to p53 on the p21 promoter. Finally, p53-mediated transcription is significantly impaired in Zimp10 null embryonic fibroblasts. Taken together, these results provide the first line of evidence to demonstrate a role for Zimp10 in regulating p53 function.

The Greater Lethality of UVB Radiation to Cultured Human Cells is Associated with the Specific Activation of a DNA Damage-Independent Signaling Pathway

UV radiation causes cell death through the activation of various intracellular signaling molecules in both DNA damage-dependent and -independent manners. The ability of middle-wavelength UV (UVB) radiation to form DNA photoproducts is less than that of short-wavelength UV (UVC) radiation; however, the differences between UVB and UVC radiation in the extent of DNA damage-independent signaling and its contribution to cell death have not been well characterized. When cells were irradiated with UVB or UVC radiation at doses that generated equivalent amounts of DNA photoproducts, UVB radiation induced more clonogenic cell death, apoptotic cells, mitochondrial cytochrome C release, and intracellular oxidative stress. Among the signaling molecules examined, levels of p53 phosphorylated at Ser-392 and p38 were higher in UVB-irradiated cells than in UVC-irradiated cells. Both phosphorylations were reduced by treating cells with an antioxidant. Furthermore, an inhibitor of p38 also blocked the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser-392. These results suggest that UVB radiation activates the p38 pathway through the generation of oxidative stress, which merges with the DNA p53 pathway by phosphorylation of p53 at ser392. This greater contribution of the DNA damage-independent pathway in UVB-irradiated cells may explain the greater lethality of UVB radiation.

Cell surface expression of melanocortin-1 receptor on HaCaT keratinocytes and alpha-melanocortin stimulation do not affect the formation and repair of UVB-induced DNA photoproducts

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure induces an up-regulation of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) expression in human skin and the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) may reduce UVB-induced DNA damage in normal human melanocytes. Using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, we investigated the formation and repair of DNA lesions in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells stably transfected with the wild type MC1R gene (HaCaT-MC1R). Similar levels of 8 bipyrimidine photoproducts including cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) (T<>T, T<>C, C<>T), (6-4) photoproducts ((6-4)PPs) (TT-(6-4)PPs, TC-(6-4)PPs) and their Dewar valence isomers together with 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) were found to be generated in both non-transfected and HaCaT-MC1R cells after UVB exposure. Time-course studies of DNA photoproduct yields indicated that the DNA repair ability depended upon radiation doses. It was shown that (6-4)PPs were removed from the DNA of UVB-irradiated cells much more efficiently than CPDs. The repair efficiency of 8-oxodGuo, CPDs and (6-4)PPs was relatively similar in both cell lines and was not modified by stimulation with alpha-MSH before UVB-exposure. In conclusion, cell surface-enforced expression of MC1Rs on HaCaT keratinocytes and alpha-MSH stimulation do not affect the formation of UVB-induced DNA photoproducts and their subsequent repair.

Increased expression of p53 enhances transcription-coupled repair and global genomic repair of a UVC-damaged reporter gene in human cells

Ultraviolet (UV) light-induced DNA damage is repaired by nucleotide excision repair, which is divided into two sub-pathways: global genome repair (GGR) and transcription-coupled repair (TCR). While it is well established that the GGR pathway is dependent on the p53 tumour suppressor protein in human cells, both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways have been reported for TCR. In the present work, we investigated the role of p53 in both GGR and TCR of a UVC-damaged reporter gene in human fibroblasts. We employed a non-replicating recombinant human adenovirus, AdCA17lacZ, that can efficiently infect human fibroblasts and express the beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) reporter gene under the control of the human cytomegalovirus promoter. We examined host cell reactivation (HCR) of beta-gal expression for the UVC-treated reporter construct in normal fibroblasts and in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and Cockayne syndrome (CS) fibroblasts deficient in GGR, TCR, or both. HCR was examined in fibroblasts that had been pre-infected with Ad5p53wt, which expresses wild-type p53, or a control adenovirus, AdCA18luc, which expresses the luciferase gene. We show that increased expression of p53 results in enhanced HCR of the UVC-damaged reporter gene in both untreated and UVC-treated cells for normal, CS-B (TCR-deficient), and XP-C (GGR-deficient), but not XP-A (TCR- and GGR-deficient) fibroblasts. These results indicate an involvement of p53 in both TCR and GGR of the UV-damaged reporter gene in human cells.

Differentiating human keratinocytes are deficient in p53 but retain global nucleotide excision repair following ultraviolet radiation

Terminally differentiating keratinocytes constitute the predominant cell type within the skin epidermis and play an important role in the overall photobiology of human skin following ultraviolet radiation. However, the DNA repair capacity of differentiating keratinocytes is unclear, and little is known regarding how such repair activity is regulated in these cells. We systematically compared the global genomic nucleotide excision repair response of cultured undifferentiated human keratinocytes to those that were allowed to differentiate in 1.2 mM Ca(2+), in some cases supplemented with phorbol ester or Vitamin C. Differentiated cells ceased replication and expressed typical markers of differentiation. Following ultraviolet radiation, keratinocytes that were differentiated up to 12 days removed cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and pyrimidine(6,4)pyrimidone photoproducts from the global genome as efficiently as undifferentiated cells. However, following the onset of calcium-induced differentiation, basal levels of p53 were nearly undetectable by 12 days of differentiation when global repair activity was unaffected. Following ultraviolet radiation, induction of p53 following ultraviolet radiation was abrogated by 6 days of calcium-induced differentiation. Basal levels of mRNA encoding the DNA damage recognition proteins, XPC and DDB2, were relatively insensitive to differentiation and p53 levels. However, following ultraviolet radiation, inductions of mRNA encoding the DNA damage recognition proteins, DDB2 and XPC, were differentially affected by differentiation. Rapid loss of DDB2 mRNA induction was associated with differentiation, while XPC mRNA induction diminished more slowly with differentiation. These results indicate that human keratinocytes preserve global nucleotide excision repair as well as expression of genes encoding key DNA damage recognition proteins well into the terminal differentiation process, perhaps using mechanisms other than p53.

Telomerase-immortalized human fibroblasts retain UV-induced mutagenesis and p53-mediated DNA damage responses

Immortalized cells frequently have disruptions of p53 activity and lack p53-dependent nucleotide excision repair (NER). We hypothesized that telomerase immortalization would not alter p53-mediated ultraviolet light (UV)-induced DNA damage responses. DNA repair proficient primary diploid human fibroblasts (GM00024) were immortalized by transduction with a telomerase expressing retrovirus. Empty retrovirus transduced cells senesced after a few doublings. Telomerase transduced GM00024 cells (tGM24) were cultured continuously for 6 months (>60 doublings). Colony forming ability after UV irradiation was dose-dependent between 0 and 20J/m2 UVC (LD50=5.6J/m2). p53 accumulation was UV dose- and time-dependent as was induction of p48(XPE/DDB2), p21(CIP1/WAF1), and phosphorylation on p53-S15. UV dose-dependent apoptosis was measured by nuclear condensation. UV exposure induced UV-damaged DNA binding as monitored by electrophoretic mobility shift assays using UV irradiated radiolabeled DNA probe was inhibited by p53-specific siRNA transfection. p53-Specific siRNA transfection also prevented UV induction of p48 and improved UV survival measured by colony forming ability. Strand-specific NER of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) within DHFR was identical in tGM24 and GM00024 cells. CPD removal from the transcribed strand was nearly complete in 6h and from the non-transcribed strand was 73% complete in 24h. UV-induced HPRT mutagenesis in tGM24 was indistinguishable from primary human fibroblasts. These wide-ranging findings indicate that the UV-induced DNA damage response remains intact in telomerase-immortalized cells. Furthermore, telomerase immortalization provides permanent cell lines for testing the immediate impact on NER and mutagenesis of selective genetic manipulation without propagation to establish mutant lines.

Proficient global nucleotide excision repair in human keratinocytes but not in fibroblasts deficient in p53

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is important for many cellular responses to DNA damage in mammalian cells, but its role in regulating DNA repair in human keratinocytes is undefined. We compared the nucleotide excision repair (NER) response of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes deficient in p53. Fibroblasts expressing human papillomavirus 16 E6 oncoprotein had impaired repair of UV radiation-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in association with reduced levels of p53 and XPC, which is involved in DNA damage recognition. In contrast, keratinocytes expressing E6 alone or concurrently with the E7 oncoprotein, while possessing reduced levels of p53 but normal levels of XPC, continued to repair pyrimidine dimers as efficiently as control cells with normal p53 levels. Despite preservation of DNA repair, E6 and E6/E7 keratinocytes were hypersensitive to UV radiation. E6 fibroblasts exhibited markedly reduced basal and induced levels of mRNA encoding DDB2, another protein implicated in early events in global NER. In contrast, E6 or E6/E7 keratinocytes possessed basal DDB2 mRNA levels that were not significantly altered relative to control cells, although little induction occurred following UV radiation. Intact global NER was also confirmed in SCC25 cells possessing inactivating mutations in p53 as well as in cells treated with pifithrin-alpha, a chemical inhibitor of p53 that decreased sensitivity of cells to UV radiation. Collectively, these results indicate that human keratinocytes, unlike fibroblasts, do not require p53 to maintain basal global NER activity, but p53 may still be important in mediating inducible responses following DNA damage.

17β-Estradiol modulates UVB-induced cellular responses in estrogen receptors positive human breast cancer cells

Genotoxic agents produce numerous cellular responses that are principally dedicated to maintain or restore DNA integrity. In human cells, nucleotide excision repair (NER) is one of the major pathways for the repair of DNA damage such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced lesions. Endocrine disrupting compounds are environmental contaminants that interfere with the function of the endocrine system. Among them, the natural estrogen 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) exhibits the most potent activity. Some proteins directly or indirectly involved in NER also fulfill other functions such as transcription, DNA damage checkpoints or cell cycle. Moreover, steroids such as E(2) are believed to interact with a large number of proteins including some involved in NER and DNA damage checkpoint control. We therefore investigated the potential modulation of genotoxic stress-cells responses by E(2) treatment. Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive human breast cancer cells were submitted to E(2) before and/or after UVB irradiation and thereafter the repair kinetics of UV-induced DNA damage were evaluated. We report here that the repair rate of UVB-induced DNA damage is enhanced when cells are submitted to an estrogenic stimulation. Moreover, our results suggest that this response could be mediated by cell cycle regulatory proteins in a p53-independent manner.

Regulation of DNA damage recognition and nucleotide excision repair: another role for p53

In response to DNA damage, the p53 tumor suppressor gene product is activated leading to the induction of several downstream cellular processes including cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair or apoptosis. Experiments first performed in the Hanawalt laboratory identified a p53-dependent pathway affecting global genomic nucleotide excision repair. The mechanisms involved in this process include both transcriptional and post-translational regulation by p53 of the DDB2 and XPC gene products, two critical DNA damage recognition proteins required for GGR. A historical review of this work is presented.

Cellular UV damage responses--functions of tumor suppressor p53

DNA damage, provoked by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, evokes a cellular damage response composed of activation of stress signaling and DNA checkpoint functions. These are translated to responses of replicative arrest, damage repair, and apoptosis aimed at cellular recovery from the damage. p53 tumor suppressor is a central stress response protein, activated by multiple endogenous and environmental insults, including UV radiation. The significance of p53 in the DNA damage responses has frequently been reviewed in the context of ionizing radiation or other double strand break (DSB)-inducing agents. Despite partly similar patterns, the molecular events following UV radiation are, however, distinct from the responses induced by DSBs and are profoundly coupled with transcriptional stress. These are illustrated, e.g., by the UV damage-specific translocations of Mdm2, promyelocytic leukemia protein, and nucleophosmin and their interactions with p53. In this review, we discuss UV damage-provoked cellular responses and the functions of p53 in damage recovery and cell death.

Pre-UV-Treatment of Cells Results in Enhanced Host Cell Reactivation of a UV Damaged Reporter Gene in CHO-AA8 Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells but Not in Transcription-Coupled Repair Deficient CHO-UV61 Cells

We have used a non-replicating recombinant adenovirus, Ad5MCMVlacZ, which expresses the β-galactosidase reporter gene, to examine both constitutive and inducible repair of UV-damaged DNA in repair proficient CHO-AA8 Chinese hamster ovary cells and in mutant CHO-UV61 cells which are deficient in the transcription-coupled repair (TCR) pathway of nucleotide excision repair. Host cell reactivation (HCR) of β-galactosidase activity for UV-irradiated Ad5MCMVlacZ was significantly reduced in non-irradiated CHO-UV61 cells compared to that in non-irradiated CHO-AA8 cells suggesting that repair in the transcribed strand of the UV-damaged reporter gene in untreated cells utilizes TCR. Prior UV-irradiation of cells with low UV fluences resulted in a transient enhancement of HCR for expression of the UV-damaged reporter gene in CHO-AA8 cells but not in TCR deficient CHO-UV61 cells. These results suggest the presence of an inducible DNA pathway in CHO cells that results from an enhancement of TCR or a mechanism that involves the TCR pathway.

Enhanced host cell reactivation of a UV-damaged reporter gene in pre-UV-treated cells is delayed in Cockayne syndrome cells

We have used a non-replicating recombinant adenovirus, Ad5HCMVlacZ, which expresses the beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) reporter gene, to examine the time course of UV-inducible repair of UV-damaged DNA in human fibroblasts. Host cell reactivation (HCR) of beta-gal activity for UV-irradiated Ad5HCMVlacZ was examined in non-irradiated and UV-irradiated nucleotide excision repair (NER) proficient normal human fibroblasts, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) group C fibroblasts which are defective in the global genomic repair (GGR) pathway of NER and Cockayne syndrome (CS) fibroblasts which are defective in the transcription coupled repair (TCR) pathway of NER. HCR was deficient in untreated XP-C and CS cells indicating that both TCR and GGR are involved in removal of photolesions from the transcribed strand of the reporter gene in unirradiated human cells as reported previously. Prior UV-irradiation of cells with low UV fluences resulted in a transient enhancement of HCR in normal and XP-C fibroblasts that reached a maximum when cells were infected at 25-35 h after UV. In contrast, UV-enhanced HCR was delayed in CS-B cells, reaching levels similar to that in normal cells only when cells were infected between 40 and 60 h after UV exposure. These results are consistent with a UV-induced up-regulation of GGR through a TCR dependent pathway in CS cells.

Phototherapy with narrowband vs broadband UVB

Phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) radiation of wavelengths between 280 and 320 nm (UVB) is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of diseases. In addition to standard broadband UVB (bUVB), narrowband phototherapy with fluorescent bulbs emitting near monochromatic UV around 311 nm (nUVB) has become an important treatment for diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. In addition to these indications, the number of diseases for which nUVB phototherapy is reported to be effective is continuously growing. The differential effects of nUVB phototherapy in comparison to other UV wavelengths as well as established and new indications for this treatment modality are reviewed.

Loss of p21WAF1/Cip1 in Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes restores DNA repair capacity

Ultraviolet light (UV)-induced DNA damage is repaired primarily by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Gadd45 is a multifunctional protein that regulates NER. Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes fail to repair UV-induced DNA damage, but the mechanism by which Gadd45 stimulates repair of UV-induced DNA damage is unknown. p21WAF1/Cip1 (p21) is a well-characterized downstream target of p53 that binds to Gadd45 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The role of p21 in NER is somewhat controversial, however, recent studies appear to suggest that it inhibits DNA repair by inhibiting PCNA activity. Since a physical interplay exists between p21, Gadd45 and PCNA, we hypothesized that Gadd45 promoted DNA repair via p21. Initially, we examined p21 protein expression in Gadd45-deficient and proficient mice and found a higher base level of p21 protein in Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes and in most other tissues. With these results, we next speculated on the role played by p21 in Gadd45 regulated NER, by exposing keratinocytes from wild-type, single and double knockout (Gadd45 and p21) mice to UV, and measuring the responses. We confirmed that Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes were defective in UV-induced NER, but interestingly Gadd45/p21-null keratinocytes had normal NER in response to UV. Furthermore, Gadd45/p21-null keratinocytes were more resistant to UV-induced cell death than Gadd45-deficient keratinocytes. These results support the hypothesis that Gadd45 enhances NER by negatively regulating basal p21 expression in keratinocytes.

p53: traffic cop at the crossroads of DNA repair and recombination

p53 mutants that lack DNA-binding activities, and therefore, transcriptional activities, are among the most common mutations in human cancer. Recently, a new role for p53 has come to light, as the tumour suppressor also functions in DNA repair and recombination. In cooperation with its function in transcription, the transcription-independent roles of p53 contribute to the control and efficiency of DNA repair and recombination.

Generation of loss of heterozygosity and its dependency on p53 status in human lymphoblastoid cells

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is a critical event in the development of human cancers. LOH is thought to result from either a large deletion or recombination between homologous alleles during repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). These types of genetic alterations produce mutations in the TK gene mutation assay, which detects a wide mutational spectrum, ranging from point mutations to LOH-type mutations. TK6, a human lymphoblastoid cell line, is heterozygous for the thymidine kinase (TK) gene and has a wild-type p53 gene. The related cell lines, TK6-E6 and WTK-1, which are p53-deficient and p53-mutant (Ile237), respectively, are also heterozygous for the TK gene and LOH-type mutation can be detected in these cells. Therefore, comparative studies of TK mutation frequency and spectrum with these cell lines are useful for elucidating the role of p53 in generating LOH and maintaining genomic stability in human cells. We demonstrate here that LOH and its associated genomic instability strongly depend on the p53 status in these cells. TK6-E6 and WTK-1 are defective in the G1/S checkpoint and in apoptosis. Unrepaired DSBs that escape from the checkpoint can potentially initiate genomic instability after DNA replication, resulting in LOH and a variety of chromosome changes. Moreover, genomic instability is enhanced in WTK-1 cells. It is likely that the mutant p53 protein in WTK-1 cells increases LOH in a dominant-negative manner due to its abnormal recombination capacity. We discuss the mutator phenotype and genomic instability associated with p53 inactivation with the goal of elucidating the mechanisms of mutation and DNA repair in untargeted mutagenesis.

Differential Role of Transcription-Coupled Repair in UVB–Induced Response of Human Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes

Most solar radiation–induced skin cancers arise in keratinocytes. In the human epidermis, protection against cancer is thought to be mediated mainly by nucleotide excision repair (NER) of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and by elimination of the damaged cells by apoptosis. NER consists of two subpathways: global genome repair (GGR) and transcription-coupled repair (TCR). Here, we investigate the impact of defects in NER subpathways on the cellular response to UVB-induced damage by comparing primary human keratinocytes and fibroblasts from normal, XP-C (GGR-defective), and CS-A (TCR-defective) individuals. We show that human keratinocytes are more resistant to UVB killing than fibroblasts and present higher levels of UVB-induced DNA repair synthesis due to a more efficient GGR. The CS-A defect is associated with a strong apoptotic response in fibroblasts but not in keratinocytes. Following an UVB dose of 1,000 J/m2, no p53-mediated transactivation of mdm2 is observed in CS-A fibroblasts, whereas the p53-mdm2 circuit is fully activated in CS-A keratinocytes. Thus, in fibroblasts, the signal for apoptosis originates from DNA photoproducts in the transcribed strand of active genes, whereas in keratinocytes, it is largely TCR-independent. This study shows that the response to UVB radiation is cell type–specific in humans and provides the first evidence that a deficiency in TCR has a different impact depending on the cell type. These findings have important implications for the mechanism of skin cancer protection after UVB damage and may explain the lack of skin cancer in patients with Cockayne syndrome.

Expression of hepatitis B virus X oncoprotein inhibits transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair in human cells

The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is implicated in liver cancer development, and this presumably involves its ability to bind and functionally inactivate the p53 tumour suppressor. For example expression of HBx in cultured cells has been shown to inhibit global nucleotide excision repair, a p53-dependent subpathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER) which eliminates helix-distorting DNA adducts, e.g., UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), from the genome overall. However it remains undetermined whether HBx also interferes with transcription-coupled NER (TCNER), another NER subpathway which removes DNA adducts uniquely from the transcribed strand (TS) of active genes. To address this, we employed the model human lymphoblastoid strain TK6 and its isogenic p53-null counterpart NH32, in conjunction with derivatives of these strains constitutively expressing HBx (TK6-HBx and NH32-HBx). Relative to TK6, following exposure to either UVB (290-320 nm) or UVC (254 nm), TK6-HBx, NH32 and NH32-HBx manifested significantly reduced apoptotic capacity to varying degrees, although no striking differences in clonogenic survival between the four strains were observed. As previously documented in our laboratory [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 100 (2003) 7219-7224], ligation-mediated PCR analysis revealed NH32 to be deficient compared with TK6 in CPD removal along the TS strand of the chromosomal c-jun locus following UVB exposure, but to be proficient in this respect following UVC exposure, i.e., the requirement for p53 in TCNER exhibits wavelength dependence in human cells. Remarkably however, in contrast to the situation for NH32, TK6-HBx and NH32-HBx manifested defective repair along the TS of c-jun after irradiation with either UVB or UVC. The data demonstrate that HBx expression can reduce the efficiency of TCNER in addition to GNER in human cells via p53-independent as well as p53-dependent pathways.

p53 and regulation of DNA damage recognition during nucleotide excision repair

In response to a variety of types of DNA damage, the p53 tumor suppressor gene product is activated and regulates a number of downstream cellular processes such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA repair. Recent discoveries concerning the regulation of DNA repair processes by p53, such as nucleotide excision repair (NER) and base excision repair (BER) have paved the way for studies to understand the mechanisms governing p53-dependent DNA repair. Although several theories have been proposed, accumulating evidence points to a transcriptional regulatory role for p53 in NER, mediating expression of the global genomic repair (GGR)-specific damage recognition genes, DDB2 and XPC. In BER, a more direct role for p53 has been proposed, potentially acting through protein-protein interactions with BER specific factors. These advances have greatly enhanced our understanding of the role of p53 in DNA repair and this review comprehensively summarizes current opinions on the mechanisms of p53-dependent DNA repair.