Definitive identification of mammalian 5-hydroxymethyluracil DNA N-glycosylase activity as SMUG1

Repair and DNA Polymerase Bypass of Clickable Pyrimidine Nucleotides

Clickable nucleosides, most often 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EtU), are widely used in studies of DNA replication in living cells and in DNA functionalization for bionanotechology applications. Although clickable dNTPs are easily incorporated by DNA polymerases into the growing chain, afterwards they might become targets for DNA repair systems or interfere with faithful nucleotide insertion. Little is known about the possibility and mechanisms of these post-synthetic events. Here, we investigated the repair and (mis)coding properties of EtU and two bulkier clickable pyrimidine nucleosides, 5-(octa-1,7-diyn-1-yl)-U (C8-AlkU) and 5-(octa-1,7-diyn-1-yl)-C (C8-AlkC). In vitro, EtU and C8-AlkU, but not C8-AlkC, were excised by SMUG1 and MBD4, two DNA glycosylases from the base excision repair pathway. However, when placed into a plasmid encoding a fluorescent reporter inactivated by repair in human cells, EtU and C8-AlkU persisted for much longer than uracil or its poorly repairable phosphorothioate-flanked derivative. DNA polymerases from four different structural families preferentially bypassed EtU, C8-AlkU and C8-AlkC in an error-free manner, but a certain degree of misincorporation was also observed, especially evident for DNA polymerase β. Overall, clickable pyrimidine nucleotides could undergo repair and be a source of mutations, but the frequency of such events in the cell is unlikely to be considerable.

Mechanism of substrate hydrolysis by the human nucleotide pool sanitiser DNPH1

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are used in the clinic to treat BRCA-deficient breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. As their efficacy is potentiated by loss of the nucleotide salvage factor DNPH1 there is considerable interest in the development of highly specific small molecule DNPH1 inhibitors. Here, we present X-ray crystal structures of dimeric DNPH1 bound to its substrate hydroxymethyl deoxyuridine monophosphate (hmdUMP). Direct interaction with the hydroxymethyl group is important for substrate positioning, while conserved residues surrounding the base facilitate target discrimination. Glycosidic bond cleavage is driven by a conserved catalytic triad and proceeds via a two-step mechanism involving formation and subsequent disruption of a covalent glycosyl-enzyme intermediate. Mutation of a previously uncharacterised yet conserved glutamate traps the intermediate in the active site, demonstrating its role in the hydrolytic step. These observations define the enzyme's catalytic site and mechanism of hydrolysis, and provide important insights for inhibitor discovery.

DNA Glycosylases Define the Outcome of Endogenous Base Modifications

Chemically modified nucleic acid bases are sources of genomic instability and mutations but may also regulate gene expression as epigenetic or epitranscriptomic modifications. Depending on the cellular context, they can have vastly diverse impacts on cells, from mutagenesis or cytotoxicity to changing cell fate by regulating chromatin organisation and gene expression. Identical chemical modifications exerting different functions pose a challenge for the cell's DNA repair machinery, as it needs to accurately distinguish between epigenetic marks and DNA damage to ensure proper repair and maintenance of (epi)genomic integrity. The specificity and selectivity of the recognition of these modified bases relies on DNA glycosylases, which acts as DNA damage, or more correctly, as modified bases sensors for the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Here, we will illustrate this duality by summarizing the role of uracil-DNA glycosylases, with particular attention to SMUG1, in the regulation of the epigenetic landscape as active regulators of gene expression and chromatin remodelling. We will also describe how epigenetic marks, with a special focus on 5-hydroxymethyluracil, can affect the damage susceptibility of nucleic acids and conversely how DNA damage can induce changes in the epigenetic landscape by altering the pattern of DNA methylation and chromatin structure.

A View on Uterine Leiomyoma Genesis through the Prism of Genetic, Epigenetic and Cellular Heterogeneity

Uterine leiomyomas (ULs), frequent benign tumours of the female reproductive tract, are associated with a range of symptoms and significant morbidity. Despite extensive research, there is no consensus on essential points of UL initiation and development. The main reason for this is a pronounced inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity resulting from diverse and complicated mechanisms underlying UL pathobiology. In this review, we comprehensively analyse risk and protective factors for UL development, UL cellular composition, hormonal and paracrine signalling, epigenetic regulation and genetic abnormalities. We conclude the need to carefully update the concept of UL genesis in light of the current data. Staying within the framework of the existing hypotheses, we introduce a possible timeline for UL development and the associated key events—from potential prerequisites to the beginning of UL formation and the onset of driver and passenger changes.

PARP1 Gene Knockout Suppresses Expression of DNA Base Excision Repair Genes

The effect of PARP1 knockout in HEK293 cells on the gene expression of DNA base excision repair (BER) proteins was studied. It was shown that the expression of all differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of BER was reduced by knockout. The expression of the DNA glycosylase gene NEIL1, which is considered to be one of the common "hubs" for binding BER proteins, has changed the most. The expression of genes of auxiliary subunits of DNA polymerases δ and ε is also significantly reduced. The PARP1 gene knockout cell line obtained is an adequate cell model for studying the activity of the BER process in the absence of PARP1 and testing drugs aimed at inhibiting repair processes. It has been found for the first time that knockout of the PARP1 gene results in a significant change in the level of expression of proteins responsible for ribosome biogenesis and the functioning of the proteasome.

A regulatory network comprising let-7 miRNA and SMUG1 is associated with good prognosis in ER+ breast tumours

Single-strand selective uracil-DNA glycosylase 1 (SMUG1) initiates base excision repair (BER) of uracil and oxidized pyrimidines. SMUG1 status has been associated with cancer risk and therapeutic response in breast carcinomas and other cancer types. However, SMUG1 is a multifunctional protein involved, not only, in BER but also in RNA quality control, and its function in cancer cells is unclear. Here we identify several novel SMUG1 interaction partners that functions in many biological processes relevant for cancer development and treatment response. Based on this, we hypothesized that the dominating function of SMUG1 in cancer might be ascribed to functions other than BER. We define a bad prognosis signature for SMUG1 by mapping out the SMUG1 interaction network and found that high expression of genes in the bad prognosis network correlated with lower survival probability in ER+ breast cancer. Interestingly, we identified hsa-let-7b-5p microRNA as an upstream regulator of the SMUG1 interactome. Expression of SMUG1 and hsa-let-7b-5p were negatively correlated in breast cancer and we found an inhibitory auto-regulatory loop between SMUG1 and hsa-let-7b-5p in the MCF7 breast cancer cells. We conclude that SMUG1 functions in a gene regulatory network that influence the survival and treatment response in several cancers.

Detection of Genomic Uracil Patterns

The appearance of uracil in the deoxyuridine moiety of DNA is among the most frequently occurring genomic modifications. Three different routes can result in genomic uracil, two of which do not require specific enzymes: spontaneous cytosine deamination due to the inherent chemical reactivity of living cells, and thymine-replacing incorporation upon nucleotide pool imbalances. There is also an enzymatic pathway of cytosine deamination with multiple DNA (cytosine) deaminases involved in this process. In order to describe potential roles of genomic uracil, it is of key importance to utilize efficient uracil-DNA detection methods. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical assessment of currently available uracil detection methods with special focus on genome-wide mapping solutions. Recent developments in PCR-based and in situ detection as well as the quantitation of genomic uracil are also discussed.

The Multiple Cellular Roles of SMUG1 in Genome Maintenance and Cancer

Single-strand selective monofunctional uracil DNA glycosylase 1 (SMUG1) works to remove uracil and certain oxidized bases from DNA during base excision repair (BER). This review provides a historical characterization of SMUG1 and 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (5-hmdU) one important substrate of this enzyme. Biochemical and structural analyses provide remarkable insight into the mechanism of this glycosylase: SMUG1 has a unique helical wedge that influences damage recognition during repair. Rodent studies suggest that, while SMUG1 shares substrate specificity with another uracil glycosylase UNG2, loss of SMUG1 can have unique cellular phenotypes. This review highlights the multiple roles SMUG1 may play in preserving genome stability, and how the loss of SMUG1 activity may promote cancer. Finally, we discuss recent studies indicating SMUG1 has moonlighting functions beyond BER, playing a critical role in RNA processing including the RNA component of telomerase.

Cellular response to endogenous DNA damage: DNA base modifications in gene expression regulation

The integrity of the genetic information is continuously challenged by numerous genotoxic insults, most frequently in the form of oxidation, alkylation or deamination of the bases that result in DNA damage. These damages compromise the fidelity of the replication, and interfere with the progression and function of the transcription machineries. The DNA damage response (DDR) comprises a series of strategies to deal with DNA damage, including transient transcriptional inhibition, activation of DNA repair pathways and chromatin remodeling. Coordinated control of transcription and DNA repair is required to safeguardi cellular functions and identities. Here, we address the cellular responses to endogenous DNA damage, with a particular focus on the role of DNA glycosylases and the Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway, in conjunction with the DDR factors, in responding to DNA damage during the transcription process. We will also discuss functions of newly identified epigenetic and regulatory marks, such as 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and its oxidative products and 8-oxoguanine, that were previously considered only as DNA damages. In light of these resultsthe classical perception of DNA damage as detrimental for cellular processes are changing. and a picture emerges whereDNA glycosylases act as dynamic regulators of transcription, placing them at the intersection of DNA repair and gene expression modulation.

The Base Excision Repair Pathway in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Exogenous and endogenous damage to the DNA is inevitable. Several DNA repair pathways including base excision, nucleotide excision, mismatch, homologous and non-homologous recombinations are conserved across all organisms to faithfully maintain the integrity of the genome. The base excision repair (BER) pathway functions to repair single-base DNA lesions and during the process creates the premutagenic apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites. In this review, we discuss the components of the BER pathway in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and delineate the different phenotypes caused by the deletion or the knockdown of the respective DNA repair gene, as well as the implications. To date, two DNA glycosylases have been identified in C. elegans, the monofunctional uracil DNA glycosylase-1 (UNG-1) and the bifunctional endonuclease III-1 (NTH-1) with associated AP lyase activity. In addition, the animal possesses two AP endonucleases belonging to the exonuclease-3 and endonuclease IV families and in C. elegans these enzymes are called EXO-3 and APN-1, respectively. In mammalian cells, the DNA polymerase, Pol beta, that is required to reinsert the correct bases for DNA repair synthesis is not found in the genome of C. elegans and the evidence indicates that this role could be substituted by DNA polymerase theta (POLQ), which is known to perform a function in the microhomology-mediated end-joining pathway in human cells. The phenotypes observed by the C. elegans mutant strains of the BER pathway raised many challenging questions including the possibility that the DNA glycosylases may have broader functional roles, as discuss in this review.

TET2: A cornerstone in normal and malignant hematopoiesis

Regulation of genome‐wide DNA methylation is fundamental for a variety of biological processes such as mammalian development, stem cell function, cellular proliferation/differentiation, and oncogenesis. Among the regulators of DNA methylation, ten‐eleven translocation 2 (TET2) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and in various hematological malignancies, underscoring a pivotal role for TET2 in blood homeostasis and hematopoietic transformation. TET2 oxidizes methylated cytosines to further modify cytosines, which behave as intermediates in active/passive DNA demethylation processes. TET2 itself associates with histone modifiers, thereby regulating histone modifications and expression of target genes. A number of studies have reported pleiotropic effects of TET2 on hematopoietic stem cell self‐renewal, hematopoietic differentiation, genome instability and inflammatory response. Recent single‐cell genomics studies have identified gene promoters as well as transcription factor binding sites as TET2‐targeted genetic loci in which disruption of DNA methylation can fundamentally modify hematopoietic differentiation and promote leukemogenesis. TET2 mutations show convergent cooperativity with other disease alleles in signaling molecules, epigenetic modifiers, and spliceosome factors in hematopoietic transformation. Future studies focusing on the molecular basis of stem cell and immune regulation by TET2 loss will further deepen our understanding of the entire landscape of pathophysiology and molecular vulnerabilities of TET2‐mutated hematological malignancies.

Retracted Article: Divergent synthesis of 5-substituted pyrimidine 2'-deoxynucleosides and their incorporation into oligodeoxynucleotides for the survey of uracil DNA glycosylases

Recent studies have indicated that 5-methylcytosine (5mC) residues in DNA can be oxidized and potentially deaminated to the corresponding thymine analogs. Some of these oxidative DNA damages have been implicated as new epigenetic markers that could have profound influences on chromatin function as well as disease pathology. In response to oxidative damage, the cells have a complex network of repair systems that recognize, remove and rebuild the lesions. However, how the modified nucleobases are detected and repaired remains elusive, largely due to the limited availability of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing these novel DNA modifications. A concise and divergent synthetic strategy to 5mC derivatives has been developed. These derivatives were further elaborated to the corresponding phosphoramidites to enable the site-specific incorporation of modified nucleobases into ODNs using standard solid-phase DNA synthesis. The synthetic methodology, along with the panel of ODNs, is of great value to investigate the biological functions of epigenetically important nucleobases, and to elucidate the diversity in chemical lesion repair.

Additional functions of selected proteins involved in DNA repair

Protein moonlighting is a phenomenon in which a single polypeptide chain can perform a number of different unrelated functions. Here we present our analysis of moonlighting in the case of selected DNA repair proteins which include G:T mismatch-specific thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG), methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 4 (MBD4), apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), AlkB homologs, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and single-strand selective monofunctional uracil DNA glycosylase 1 (SMUG1). Most of their additional functions are not accidental and clear patterns are emerging. Participation in RNA metabolism is not surprising as bases occurring in RNA are the same or very similar to those in DNA. Other common additional function involves regulation of transcription. This is not unexpected as these proteins bind to specific DNA regions for DNA repair, hence they can also be recruited to regulate transcription. Participation in demethylation and replication of DNA appears logical as well. Some of the multifunctional DNA repair proteins play major roles in many diseases, including cancer. However, their moonlighting might prove a major difficulty in the development of new therapies because it will not be trivial to target a single protein function without affecting its other functions that are not related to the disease.

Excision of uracil from DNA by hSMUG1 includes strand incision and processing

Uracil arises in DNA by hydrolytic deamination of cytosine (C) and by erroneous incorporation of deoxyuridine monophosphate opposite adenine, where the former event is devastating by generation of C → thymine transitions. The base excision repair (BER) pathway replaces uracil by the correct base. In human cells two uracil-DNA glycosylases (UDGs) initiate BER by excising uracil from DNA; one is hSMUG1 (human single-strand-selective mono-functional UDG). We report that repair initiation by hSMUG1 involves strand incision at the uracil site resulting in a 3′-α,β-unsaturated aldehyde designated uracil-DNA incision product (UIP), and a 5′-phosphate. UIP is removed from the 3′-end by human apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease 1 preparing for single-nucleotide insertion. hSMUG1 also incises DNA or processes UIP to a 3′-phosphate designated uracil-DNA processing product (UPP). UIP and UPP were indirectly identified and quantified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and chemically characterised by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass-spectrometric analysis of DNA from enzyme reactions using ¹⁸O- or ¹⁶O-water. The formation of UIP accords with an elimination (E2) reaction where deprotonation of C2′ occurs via the formation of a C1′ enolate intermediate. A three-phase kinetic model explains rapid uracil excision in phase 1, slow unspecific enzyme adsorption/desorption to DNA in phase 2 and enzyme-dependent AP site incision in phase 3.

Association of SMUG1 SNPs in Intron Region and Linkage Disequilibrium with Occurrence of Cervical Carcinoma and HPV Infection in Chinese Population

Background and Aims: This study was aim to investigate the relationship between the four intron SNPs (rs3087404, rs2029167, rs2029166 and rs7296239) of SMUG1 and the susceptibility of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Four SMUG1 intron SNPs (rs3087404, rs2029167, rs2029166 and rs7296239) were genotyped by MA-PCR in 400 CSCCs, 400 CIN III and 1200 controls. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the SMUG1 mRNA and protein expression. Results: Interestingly, we found that the homozygous GG of rs3087404 had a significantly increased risk of CIN III [OR=1.78(1.27-2.51), P= 0.001] and CSCCs [OR=4.04(2.94-5.55), P=0.000]. The individuals with G allele or G carrier (AG +GG) at rs3087404 were at higher risk for CSCCs [OR=1.34 (1.04-1.71), P= 0.022]. Similarly, the homozygous GG of rs2029167 also had an increased risk of CIN III [OR=2.56 (1.91-3.43), P= 0.000] and CSCCs [OR=4.05(3.02-5.44), P=0.000]. The individuals with G allele or G carrier (AG +GG) at rs2029167 were at higher risk for CINIII [OR=1.41(1.10-1.80), P= 0.006] and CSCCs [OR=1.91 (1.48-2.47), P= 0.000]. In HR-HPV positive group, both the homozygous GG of rs3087404 and the homozygous GG of rs2029167 had an increased risk to CIN III and CSCC. Stratified analysis of the number of sexual partners and the age of first sexual intercourse found that the rs3087404 (A/G) had a particularly high level of enrichment in the CIN III or CSCCs groups. About the rs2029167 (A/G), we only found a particularly high level of enrichment grouping by the number of sexual partners in the CIN III and CSCCs groups. Meanwhile, we also found that there is a correlation between the SNPs of SMUG1 rs3087404 (A/G) and rs2029167 (A/G) with tumor cell differentiation and family heredity. But we didn't find that there was an association between the deferent genotypes of SMUG1 rs2029166 and rs7296239 with SMUG1 gene mRNA or protein expression. During the linkage disequilibrium analysis between rs3087404 (A/G) and rs2029167 (A/G), the genotype with AA-GG [OR=3.14(1.95-5.05)], AG-GG [OR=2.45(1.58-3.89)], GG-AA [OR=2.24(1.28-3.90)] and GG-AG [OR=2.58(1.54-4.32)] significantly increased the risk of CIN III. More notably, this risk is much greater in CSCCs: AA-GG [OR=7.13(4.03-12.61)], AG-GG [OR=7.22(4.21-12.38)], GG-AA [OR=8.60(4.73-15.63)], GG-AG [OR=9.64(5.43-17.13)]. Additionally, most GG (rs3087404) genotypes were linkage GG-AG (44/77, 80/140) in the CIN III and CSCCs, while most GG (rs2029167) genotypes were linkage genotype AG-GG (79/145, 112/184) in the CIN III and CSCCs, respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggested that there was association between the two genetic polymorphisms of SMUG1 rs3087404(A/G) and rs2029167(A/G) with the susceptibility of CIN III and CSCCs, and there was a linkage disequilibrium between the rs3087404 with the rs2029167 in CIN III and CSCCs. This particular linkage disequilibrium can be used as predictive biomarkers of CIN III and CSCC.

Pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of damage recognition by human single-strand selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase SMUG1

In all organisms, DNA glycosylases initiate base excision repair pathways resulting in removal of aberrant bases from DNA. Human SMUG1 belongs to the superfamily of uracil-DNA glycosylases catalyzing the hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond of uridine and uridine lesions bearing oxidized groups at C5: 5-hydroxymethyluridine (5hmU), 5-formyluridine (5fU), and 5-hydroxyuridine (5hoU). An apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site formed as the product of an N-glycosylase reaction is tightly bound to hSMUG1, thus inhibiting the downstream action of AP-endonuclease APE1. The steady-state kinetic parameters (k_cat and K_M; obtained from the literature) correspond to the enzyme turnover process limited by the release of hSMUG1 from the complex with the AP-site. In the present study, our objective was to carry out a stopped-flow fluorescence analysis of the interaction of hSMUG1 with a DNA substrate containing a dU:dG base pair to follow the pre-steady-state kinetics of conformational changes in both molecules. A comparison of kinetic data obtained by means of Trp and 2-aminopurine fluorescence and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection allowed us to elucidate the stages of specific and nonspecific DNA binding, to propose the mechanism of damaged base recognition by hSMUG1, and to determine the true rate of the catalytic step. Our results shed light on the kinetic mechanism underlying the initiation of base excision repair by hSMUG1 using the "wedge" strategy for DNA lesion search.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of uracil-processing genes affect the occurrence and the onset of recurrent depressive disorder

Depressive disorders (DD) are known to be associated with increased DNA damage, the impairment of DNA damage repair, and the presence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA damage repair genes. Some indirect evidence also suggests that uracil metabolism may be disrupted in depressed patients. Therefore, the current study genotypes three SNPs localized in genes encoding uracil-processing proteins: two glycosylases, i.e., UNG g.7245G>C (rs34259), SMUG1 c.-31A>G (rs3087404), and dUTPase, i.e., DUT g.48638795G>T (rs4775748). The polymorphisms were analyzed in 585 DNA samples (282 cases and 303 controls) using TaqMan probes. The G/G genotype and G allele of UNG polymorphism decreased the risk of depression, while the G/C genotype and C allele of the same SNP increased it. It was also found that G/G carriers had their first episode significantly later than the heterozygotes. Although there was no association between the occurrence of depression and the SMUG1 SNP, a significant difference was found between the homozygotes regarding the onset of DD. In conclusion, the SNPs localized in the uracil-processing genes may modulate the occurrence and the onset of depression, which further supports the hypothesis that impairment of DNA damage repair, especially base-excision repair, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

UNG-1 and APN-1 are the major enzymes to efficiently repair 5-hydroxymethyluracil DNA lesions in C. elegans

In Caenorhabditis elegans, two DNA glycosylases, UNG-1 and NTH-1, and two AP endonucleases, APN-1 and EXO-3, have been characterized from the base-excision repair (BER) pathway that repairs oxidatively modified DNA bases. UNG-1 removes uracil, while NTH-1 can remove 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5-hmU), an oxidation product of thymine, as well as other lesions. Both APN-1 and EXO-3 can incise AP sites and remove 3′-blocking lesions at DNA single strand breaks, and only APN-1 possesses 3′- to 5′-exonulease and nucleotide incision repair activities. We used C. elegans mutants to study the role of the BER pathway in processing 5-hmU. We observe that ung-1 mutants exhibited a decrease in brood size and lifespan, and an elevated level of germ cell apoptosis when challenged with 5-hmU. These phenotypes were exacerbated by RNAi downregulation of apn-1 in the ung-1 mutant. The nth-1 or exo-3 mutants displayed wild type phenotypes towards 5-hmU. We show that partially purified UNG-1 can act on 5-hmU lesion in vitro. We propose that UNG-1 removes 5-hmU incorporated into the genome and the resulting AP site is cleaved by APN-1 or EXO-3. In the absence of UNG-1, the 5-hmU is removed by NTH-1 creating a genotoxic 3′-blocking lesion that requires the action of APN-1.

XRCC1-mediated repair of strand breaks independent of PNKP binding

Repair of DNA-protein crosslinks and oxidatively damaged DNA base lesions generates intermediates with nicks or gaps with abnormal and blocked 3'-phosphate and 5'-OH ends that prevent the activity of DNA polymerases and ligases. End cleaning in mammalian cells by Tdp1 and PNKP produces the conventional 3'-OH and 5'-phosphate DNA ends suitable for completion of repair. This repair function of PNKP is facilitated by its binding to the scaffold protein XRCC1, and phosphorylation of XRCC1 by CK2 at several consensus sites enables PNKP binding and recruitment to DNA damage. To evaluate this documented repair process, a phosphorylation mutant of XRCC1, designed to eliminate PNKP binding, was stably expressed in Xrcc1-/- mouse fibroblast cells. Analysis of PNKP-GFP accumulation at micro-irradiation induced damage confirmed that the XRCC1 phosphorylation mutant failed to support efficient PNKP recruitment, whereas there was rapid recruitment in cells expressing wild-type XRCC1. Recruitment of additional fluorescently-tagged repair factors PARP-1-YFP, GFF-XRCC1, PNKP-GFP and Tdp1-GFP to micro-irradiation induced damage was assessed in wild-type XRCC1-expressing cells. PARP-1-YFP recruitment was best fit to two exponentials, whereas kinetics for the other proteins were fit to a single exponential. The similar half-times of recruitment suggest that XRCC1 may be recruited with other proteins possibly as a pre-formed complex. Xrcc1-/- cells are hypersensitive to the DNA-protein cross-link inducing agent camptothecin (CPT) and the DNA oxidative agent H2O2 due in part to compromised PNKP-mediated repair. However, cells expressing the PNKP interaction mutant of XRCC1 demonstrated marked reversal of CPT hypersensitivity. This reversal represents XRCC1-dependent repair in the absence of the phosphorylation-dependent PNKP recruitment and suggests either an XRCC1-independent mechanism of PNKP recruitment or a functional back-up pathway for cleaning of blocked DNA ends.

Identification of a prototypical single-stranded uracil DNA glycosylase from Listeria innocua

A recent phylogenetic study on UDG superfamily estimated a new clade of family 3 enzymes (SMUG1-like), which shares a lower homology with canonic SMUG1 enzymes. The enzymatic properties of the newly found putative DNA glycosylase are unknown. To test the potential UDG activity and evaluate phylogenetic classification, we isolated one SMUG1-like glycosylase representative from Listeria innocua (Lin). A biochemical screening of DNA glycosylase activity in vitro indicates that Lin SMUG1-like glycosylase is a single-strand selective uracil DNA glycosylase. The UDG activity on DNA bubble structures provides clue to its physiological significance in vivo. Mutagenesis and molecular modeling analyses reveal that Lin SMUG1-like glycosylase has similar functional motifs with SMUG1 enzymes; however, it contains a distinct catalytic doublet S67-S68 in motif 1 that is not found in any families in the UDG superfamily. Experimental investigation shows that the S67M-S68N double mutant is catalytically more active than either S67M or S68N single mutant. Coupled with mutual information analysis, the results indicate a high degree of correlation in the evolution of SMUG1-like enzymes. This study underscores the functional and catalytic diversity in the evolution of enzymes in UDG superfamily.

Uracil Accumulation and Mutagenesis Dominated by Cytosine Deamination in CpG Dinucleotides in Mice Lacking UNG and SMUG1

Both a DNA lesion and an intermediate for antibody maturation, uracil is primarily processed by base excision repair (BER), either initiated by uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG) or by single-strand selective monofunctional uracil DNA glycosylase (SMUG1). The relative in vivo contributions of each glycosylase remain elusive. To assess the impact of SMUG1 deficiency, we measured uracil and 5-hydroxymethyluracil, another SMUG1 substrate, in Smug1^−/− mice. We found that 5-hydroxymethyluracil accumulated in Smug1^−/− tissues and correlated with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels. The highest increase was found in brain, which contained about 26-fold higher genomic 5-hydroxymethyluracil levels than the wild type. Smug1^−/− mice did not accumulate uracil in their genome and Ung^−/− mice showed slightly elevated uracil levels. Contrastingly, Ung^−/−Smug1^−/− mice showed a synergistic increase in uracil levels with up to 25-fold higher uracil levels than wild type. Whole genome sequencing of UNG/SMUG1-deficient tumours revealed that combined UNG and SMUG1 deficiency leads to the accumulation of mutations, primarily C to T transitions within CpG sequences. This unexpected sequence bias suggests that CpG dinucleotides are intrinsically more mutation prone. In conclusion, we showed that SMUG1 efficiently prevent genomic uracil accumulation, even in the presence of UNG, and identified mutational signatures associated with combined UNG and SMUG1 deficiency.

Formation and repair of oxidatively generated damage in cellular DNA

In this review article, emphasis is placed on the critical survey of available data concerning modified nucleobase and 2-deoxyribose products that have been identified in cellular DNA following exposure to a wide variety of oxidizing species and agents including, hydroxyl radical, one-electron oxidants, singlet oxygen, hypochlorous acid and ten-eleven translocation enzymes. In addition, information is provided about the generation of secondary oxidation products of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine and nucleobase addition products with reactive aldehydes arising from the decomposition of lipid peroxides. It is worth noting that the different classes of oxidatively generated DNA damage that consist of single lesions, intra- and interstrand cross-links were unambiguously assigned and quantitatively detected on the basis of accurate measurements involving in most cases high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The reported data clearly show that the frequency of DNA lesions generated upon severe oxidizing conditions, including exposure to ionizing radiation is low, at best a few modifications per 106 normal bases. Application of accurate analytical measurement methods has also allowed the determination of repair kinetics of several well-defined lesions in cellular DNA that however concerns so far only a restricted number of cases.

Epigenetic dysregulation of hematopoietic stem cells and preleukemic state

Recent genetic analyses have revealed that premalignant somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells are common in older people without an evidence of hematologic malignancies, leading to clonal hematopoietic expansion. This phenomenon has been termed clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Frequency of such clonal somatic mutations increases with age: in 5-10% of people older than 70 years and around 20% of people older than 90 years. The most commonly mutated genes found in individuals with CHIP were epigenetic regulators, including DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), Ten-eleven-translocation 2 (TET2), and Additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1), which are also recurrently mutated in myeloid malignancies. Recent functional studies have uncovered pleiotropic effect of mutations in DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1 in hematopoietic stem cell regulation and leukemic transformation. Of note, CHIP is associated with an increased risk of hematologic malignancy and all-cause mortality, albeit the annual risk of leukemic transformation was relatively low (0.5-1%). These findings suggest that clonal hematopoiesis per se may not be sufficient to engender preleukemic state. Further studies are required to decipher the exact mechanism by which preleukemic stem cells originate and transform into a full-blown leukemic state.

Repair of oxidatively induced DNA damage by DNA glycosylases: Mechanisms of action, substrate specificities and excision kinetics

Endogenous and exogenous reactive species cause oxidatively induced DNA damage in living organisms by a variety of mechanisms. As a result, a plethora of mutagenic and/or cytotoxic products are formed in cellular DNA. This type of DNA damage is repaired by base excision repair, although nucleotide excision repair also plays a limited role. DNA glycosylases remove modified DNA bases from DNA by hydrolyzing the glycosidic bond leaving behind an apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site. Some of them also possess an accompanying AP-lyase activity that cleaves the sugar-phosphate chain of DNA. Since the first discovery of a DNA glycosylase, many studies have elucidated the mechanisms of action, substrate specificities and excision kinetics of these enzymes present in all living organisms. For this purpose, most studies used single- or double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides with a single DNA lesion embedded at a defined position. High-molecular weight DNA with multiple base lesions has been used in other studies with the advantage of the simultaneous investigation of many DNA base lesions as substrates. Differences between the substrate specificities and excision kinetics of DNA glycosylases have been found when these two different substrates were used. Some DNA glycosylases possess varying substrate specificities for either purine-derived lesions or pyrimidine-derived lesions, whereas others exhibit cross-activity for both types of lesions. Laboratory animals with knockouts of the genes of DNA glycosylases have also been used to provide unequivocal evidence for the substrates, which had previously been found in in vitro studies, to be the actual substrates in vivo as well. On the basis of the knowledge gained from the past studies, efforts are being made to discover small molecule inhibitors of DNA glycosylases that may be used as potential drugs in cancer therapy.

Alternative roles for oxidized mCs and TETs

Ten-eleven-translocation (TET) proteins oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to form stable or transient modifications (oxi-mCs) in the mammalian genome. Genome-wide mapping and protein interaction studies have shown that 5mC and oxi-mCs have unique distribution patterns and alternative roles in gene expression. In addition, oxi-mCs may interact with specific chromatin regulators, transcription factors and DNA repair proteins to maintain genomic integrity or alter DNA replication and transcriptional elongation rates. In this review we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of how TETs and 5hmC exert their epigenetic function as tumor suppressors by playing alternative roles in transcriptional regulation and genomic stability.

DNA demethylation pathways: Additional players and regulators

DNA demethylation can occur passively by "dilution" of methylation marks by DNA replication, or actively and independently of DNA replication. Direct conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to cytosine (C), as originally proposed, does not occur. Instead, active DNA methylation involves oxidation of the methylated base by ten-eleven translocations (TETs), or deamination of the methylated or a nearby base by activation induced deaminase (AID). The modified nucleotide, possibly together with surrounding nucleotides, is then replaced by the BER pathway. Recent data clarify the roles and the regulation of well-known enzymes in this process. They identify base excision repair (BER) glycosylases that may cooperate with or replace thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) in the base excision step, and suggest possible involvement of DNA damage repair pathways other than BER in active DNA demethylation. Here, we review these new developments.

Role of Base Excision "Repair" Enzymes in Erasing Epigenetic Marks from DNA

Base excision repair (BER) is one of several DNA repair pathways found in all three domains of life. BER counters the mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of damage that occurs continuously to the nitrogenous bases in DNA, and its critical role in maintaining genomic integrity is well established. However, BER also performs essential functions in processes other than DNA repair, where it acts on naturally modified bases in DNA. A prominent example is the central role of BER in mediating active DNA demethylation, a multistep process that erases the epigenetic mark 5-methylcytosine (5mC), and derivatives thereof, converting them back to cytosine. Herein, we review recent advances in the understanding of how BER mediates this critical component of epigenetic regulation in plants and animals.

Dual roles of DNA repair enzymes in RNA biology/post-transcriptional control

Despite consistent research into the molecular principles of the DNA damage repair pathway for almost two decades, it has only recently been found that RNA metabolism is very tightly related to this pathway, and the two ancient biochemical mechanisms act in alliance to maintain cellular genomic integrity. The close links between these pathways are well exemplified by examining the base excision repair pathway, which is now well known for dual roles of many of its members in DNA repair and RNA surveillance, including APE1, SMUG1, and PARP1. With additional links between these pathways steadily emerging, this review aims to provide a summary of the emerging roles for DNA repair proteins in the post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:604-619. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1353 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

The current state of eukaryotic DNA base damage and repair

DNA damage is a natural hazard of life. The most common DNA lesions are base, sugar, and single-strand break damage resulting from oxidation, alkylation, deamination, and spontaneous hydrolysis. If left unrepaired, such lesions can become fixed in the genome as permanent mutations. Thus, evolution has led to the creation of several highly conserved, partially redundant pathways to repair or mitigate the effects of DNA base damage. The biochemical mechanisms of these pathways have been well characterized and the impact of this work was recently highlighted by the selection of Tomas Lindahl, Aziz Sancar and Paul Modrich as the recipients of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their seminal work in defining DNA repair pathways. However, how these repair pathways are regulated and interconnected is still being elucidated. This review focuses on the classical base excision repair and strand incision pathways in eukaryotes, considering both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans, and extends to some important questions and challenges facing the field of DNA base damage repair.

Genomically Incorporated 5-Fluorouracil that Escapes UNG-Initiated Base Excision Repair Blocks DNA Replication and Activates Homologous Recombination

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and its metabolite 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FdUrd, floxuridine) are chemotherapy agents that are converted to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP). FdUMP inhibits thymidylate synthase and causes the accumulation of uracil in the genome, whereas FdUTP is incorporated by DNA polymerases as 5-FU in the genome; however, it remains unclear how either genomically incorporated U or 5-FU contributes to killing. We show that depletion of the uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) sensitizes tumor cells to FdUrd. Furthermore, we show that UNG depletion does not sensitize cells to the thymidylate synthase inhibitor (raltitrexed), which induces uracil but not 5-FU accumulation, thus indicating that genomically incorporated 5-FU plays a major role in the antineoplastic effects of FdUrd. We also show that 5-FU metabolites do not block the first round of DNA synthesis but instead arrest cells at the G1/S border when cells again attempt replication and activate homologous recombination (HR). This arrest is not due to 5-FU lesions blocking DNA polymerase δ but instead depends, in part, on the thymine DNA glycosylase. Consistent with the activation of HR repair, disruption of HR sensitized cells to FdUrd, especially when UNG was disabled. These results show that 5-FU lesions that escape UNG repair activate HR, which promotes cell survival.

Synergistic enhancement of 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity by deoxyuridine analogs in cancer cells

5-Fluorouracil (FU) is a halogenated nucleobase analog that is widely used in chemotherapy. Here we show that 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (hmUdR) synergistically enhances the activity of FU in cell lines derived from solid tumors but not normal tissues. While the cytotoxicity of FU and hmUdR was not directly related to the amount of the modified bases incorporated into cellular DNA, incubation with this combination resulted in dramatic increase in the number of single strand breaks in replicating cancer cells, leading to NAD-depletion as consequence of poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis and S phase arrest. Cell death resulting from the base/nucleoside combination did not occur by apoptosis, autophagy or necroptosis. Instead, the cells die via necrosis as a result of NAD depletion. The FU-related nucleoside analog, 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine, also displayed synergy with hmUdR, whereas hmUdR could not be replaced by 5-hydroxymethyluracil. Among other 5-modified deoxyuridine analogs tested, 5-formyl-2′-deoxyuridine and, to a lesser extent, 5-hydroxy-2′-deoxyuridine, also acted synergistically with FU, whereas 5-hydroxyethyl-2′-deoxyuridine did not. Together, our results have revealed an unexpected synergistic interaction between deoxyuridine analogs and FU in a cancer cell-specific manner, and suggest that these novel base/nucleoside combinations could be developed into improved FU-based chemotherapies.

The effect of Pot1 binding on the repair of thymine analogs in a telomeric DNA sequence

Telomeric DNA can form duplex regions or single-stranded loops that bind multiple proteins, preventing it from being processed as a DNA repair intermediate. The bases within these regions are susceptible to damage; however, mechanisms for the repair of telomere damage are as yet poorly understood. We have examined the effect of three thymine (T) analogs including uracil (U), 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5hmU) on DNA-protein interactions and DNA repair within the GGTTAC telomeric sequence. The replacement of T with U or 5FU interferes with Pot1 (Pot1pN protein of Schizosaccharomyces pombe) binding. Surprisingly, 5hmU substitution only modestly diminishes Pot1 binding suggesting that hydrophobicity of the T-methyl group likely plays a minor role in protein binding. In the GGTTAC sequence, all three analogs can be cleaved by DNA glycosylases; however, glycosylase activity is blocked if Pot1 binds. An abasic site at the G or T positions is cleaved by the endonuclease APE1 when in a duplex but not when single-stranded. Abasic site formation thermally destabilizes the duplex that could push a damaged DNA segment into a single-stranded loop. The inability to enzymatically cleave abasic sites in single-stranded telomere regions would block completion of the base excision repair cycle potentially causing telomere attrition.

Deamination features of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, a radical and enzymatic DNA oxidation product

The 5-methylcytosine derivative 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmCyt), which is generated via enzymatic oxidation, is sometimes referred to as the sixth nucleobase due to its widespread presence in the DNA of brain and embryonic stem cells. In this study, we used density functional based methods and reactivity indices from conceptual DFT to explore the mechanism and key features of the hydrolytic deamination of 5hmCyt. The data obtained are used to compare and contrast this deamination reaction with those of other cytosine derivatives. The deamination process for 5hmCyt is similar to the corresponding processes for other unsaturated derivatives in that the amino form is the reactive one and water addition is the rate-limiting step. However, several differences due to the rotameric asymmetry of the current system are also noted.

Tet oxidizes thymine to 5-hydroxymethyluracil in mouse embryonic stem cell DNA

Ten eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes oxidize the epigenetically important DNA base 5-methylcytosine (mC) stepwise to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC), 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxycytosine. It is currently unknown whether Tet-induced oxidation is limited to cytosine-derived nucleobases or whether other nucleobases are oxidized as well. We synthesized isotopologs of all major oxidized pyrimidine and purine bases and performed quantitative MS to show that Tet-induced oxidation is not limited to mC but that thymine is also a substrate that gives 5-hydroxymethyluracil (hmU) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Using MS-based isotope tracing, we show that deamination of hmC does not contribute to the steady-state levels of hmU in mESCs. Protein pull-down experiments in combination with peptide tracing identifies hmU as a base that influences binding of chromatin remodeling proteins and transcription factors, suggesting that hmU has a specific function in stem cells besides triggering DNA repair.

Advances in understanding the coupling of DNA base modifying enzymes to processes involving base excision repair

This chapter describes some of the recent, exciting developments that have characterized and connected processes that modify DNA bases with DNA repair pathways. It begins with AID/APOBEC or TET family members that covalently modify bases within DNA. The modified bases, such as uracil or 5-formylcytosine, are then excised by DNA glycosylases including UNG or TDG to initiate base excision repair (BER). BER is known to preserve genome integrity by removing damaged bases. The newer studies underscore the necessity of BER following enzymes that deliberately damage DNA. This includes the role of BER in antibody diversification and more recently, its requirement for demethylation of 5-methylcytosine in mammalian cells. The recent advances have shed light on mechanisms of DNA demethylation, and have raised many more questions. The potential hazards of these processes have also been revealed. Dysregulation of the activity of base modifying enzymes, and resolution by unfaithful or corrupt means can be a driver of genome instability and tumorigenesis. The understanding of both DNA and histone methylation and demethylation is now revealing the true extent to which epigenetics influence normal development and cancer, an abnormal development.

Vpr expression abolishes the capacity of HIV-1 infected cells to repair uracilated DNA

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr protein binds to the cellular uracil–DNA glycosylase UNG2 and induces its degradation through the assembly with the DDB1-CUL4 ubiquitin ligase complex. This interaction counteracts the antiviral activity exerted by UNG2 on HIV-1 gene transcription, as previously reported by us. In this work, we show that Vpr expression in the context of HIV-1 infection markedly decreases UNG2 expression in transformed or primary CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. We demonstrate for the first time that Vpr-UNG2 interaction significantly impairs the uracil excision activity of infected cells. The loss of uracil excision activity coincides with a significant accumulation of uracilated bases in the genome of infected cells without changes in cell division. Although UNG2 expression and uracil–DNA glycosylase activity are recovered after the peak of retroviral replication, the mutagenic effect of transient DNA uracilation in cycling cells should be taken into account. Therefore, the possible consequences of Vpr-mediated temporary depletion of endogenous nuclear UNG2 and subsequent alteration of the genomic integrity of infected cells need to be evaluated in the physiopathogenesis of HIV infection.

Identification of TET1 Partners That Control Its DNA-Demethylating Function

Several recent reports have identified TET1 as the main enzyme modulating DNA methylation and gene transcription via hydroxylation of 5-methylcytosine. However, little is known about the protein network that controls TET1 activity. By using a new proximity ligation in situ assay, we identified MeCP2, HDAC1/6/7, EZH2, mSin3A, PCNA, and LSD1 as TET1-interacting proteins. We also discerned that TET1/PCNA acts as a demethylator of the cyclical methylation/demethylation process, the perturbation of which promotes the aberrant methylation hallmarks frequently observed in cancer cells.

Epigenetic changes in the progression of Alzheimer's disease

The formation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a key intermediate of DNA demethylation, is driven by the ten eleven translocation (TET) family of proteins that oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5hmC. To determine whether methylation/demethylation status is altered during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), levels of TET1, 5mC and subsequent intermediates, including 5hmC, 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) were quantified in nuclear DNA from the hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus (HPG) and the cerebellum of 5 age-matched normal controls, 5 subjects with preclinical AD (PCAD) and 7 late-stage AD (LAD) subjects by immunochemistry. The results showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased levels of TET1, 5mC, and 5hmC in the HPG of PCAD and LAD subjects. In contrast, levels of 5fC and 5caC were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the HPG of PCAD and LAD subjects. Overall, the data suggest altered methylation/demethylation patterns in vulnerable brain regions prior to the onset of clinical symptoms in AD suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Endonuclease IV Is the major apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is important for protection against oxidative damage

During the establishment of an infection, bacterial pathogens encounter oxidative stress resulting in the production of DNA lesions. Majority of these lesions are repaired by base excision repair (BER) pathway. Amongst these, abasic sites are the most frequent lesions in DNA. Class II apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases play a major role in BER of damaged DNA comprising of abasic sites. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a deadly pathogen, resides in the human macrophages and is continually subjected to oxidative assaults. We have characterized for the first time two AP endonucleases namely Endonuclease IV (End) and Exonuclease III (XthA) that perform distinct functions in M.tuberculosis. We demonstrate that M.tuberculosis End is a typical AP endonuclease while XthA is predominantly a 3′→5′ exonuclease. The AP endonuclease activity of End and XthA was stimulated by Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ and displayed a preferential recognition for abasic site paired opposite to a cytosine residue in DNA. Moreover, End exhibited metal ion independent 3′→5′ exonuclease activity while in the case of XthA this activity was metal ion dependent. We demonstrate that End is not only a more efficient AP endonuclease than XthA but it also represents the major AP endonuclease activity in M.tuberculosis and plays a crucial role in defense against oxidative stress.

5-hydroxymethylcytosine and its potential roles in development and cancer

Only a few years ago it was demonstrated that mammalian DNA contains oxidized forms of 5-methylcytosine (5mC). The base 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is the most abundant of these oxidation products and is referred to as the sixth DNA base. 5hmC is produced from 5mC in an enzymatic pathway involving three 5mC oxidases, Ten-eleven translocation (TET)1, TET2, and TET3. The biological role of 5hmC is still unclear. Current models propose that 5hmC is an intermediate base in an active or passive DNA demethylation process that operates during important reprogramming phases of mammalian development. Tumors originating in various human tissues have strongly depleted levels of 5hmC. Apparently, 5hmC cannot be maintained in proliferating cells. Furthermore, mutations in the TET2 gene are commonly observed in human myeloid malignancies. Since TET proteins and many lysine demethylases require 2-oxoglutarate as a cofactor, aberrations in cofactor biochemical pathways, including mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), may affect levels of 5hmC and 5mC in certain types of tumors, either directly or indirectly. We discuss current data and models of the function of 5hmC in general, with special emphasis on its role in mechanisms of development and cancer.

The human base excision repair enzyme SMUG1 directly interacts with DKC1 and contributes to RNA quality control

Single-strand-selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase 1 (SMUG1) is a base excision repair enzyme that removes uracil and oxidised pyrimidines from DNA. We show that SMUG1 interacts with the pseudouridine synthase Dyskerin (DKC1) and colocalizes with DKC1 in nucleoli and Cajal bodies. As DKC1 functions in RNA processing, we tested whether SMUG1 excised modified bases in RNA and demonstrated that SMUG1 has activity on single-stranded RNA containing 5-hydroxymethyldeoxyuridine, but not pseudouridine, the nucleoside resulting from isomerization of uridine by DKC1. Moreover, SMUG1 associates with the 47S rRNA precursor processed by DKC1, and depletion of SMUG1 leads to a reduction in the levels of mature rRNA accompanied by an increase in polyadenylated rRNA. Depletion of SMUG1, and, in particular, the combined loss of SMUG1 and DKC1, leads to accumulation of 5-hydroxymethyluridine in rRNA. In conclusion, SMUG1 is a DKC1 interaction partner that contributes to rRNA quality control, partly by regulating 5-hydroxymethyluridine levels.

Genetic variability in DNA repair proteins in age-related macular degeneration

The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is complex and involves interactions between environmental and genetic factors, with oxidative stress playing an important role inducing damage in biomolecules, including DNA. Therefore, genetic variability in the components of DNA repair systems may influence the ability of the cell to cope with oxidative stress and in this way contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. However, few reports have been published on this subject so far. We demonstrated that the c.977C>G polymorphism (rs1052133) in the hOGG1 gene and the c.972G>C polymorphism (rs3219489) in the MUTYH gene, the products of which play important roles in the repair of oxidatively damaged DNA, might be associated with the risk of AMD. Oxidative stress may promote misincorporation of uracil into DNA, where it is targeted by several DNA glycosylases. We observed that the g.4235T>C (rs2337395) and c.–32A>G (rs3087404) polymorphisms in two genes encoding such glycosylases, UNG and SMUG1, respectively, could be associated with the occurrence of AMD. Polymorphisms in some other DNA repair genes, including XPD (ERCC2), XRCC1 and ERCC6 (CSB) have also been reported to be associated with AMD. These data confirm the importance of the cellular reaction to DNA damage, and this may be influenced by variability in DNA repair genes, in AMD pathogenesis.

The role of mutations in epigenetic regulators in myeloid malignancies

Recent genomic studies have identified novel recurrent somatic mutations in patients with myeloid malignancies, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In some cases these mutations occur in genes with known roles in regulating chromatin and/or methylation states in haematopoietic progenitors, and in other cases genetic and functional studies have elucidated a role for specific mutations in altering epigenetic patterning in myeloid malignancies. In this Review we discuss recent genetic and functional data implicating mutations in epigenetic modifiers, including tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), IDH2, additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1), enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) and DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), in the pathogenesis of MPN, MDS and AML, and discuss how this knowledge is leading to novel clinical, biological and therapeutic insights.

Going beyond five bases in DNA sequencing

DNA sequencing has provided a wealth of information about biological systems, but thus far has focused on the four canonical bases, and 5-methylcytosine through comparison of the genomic DNA sequence to a transformed four-base sequence obtained after treatment with bisulfite. However, numerous other chemical modifications to the nucleotides are known to control fundamental life functions, influence virulence of pathogens, and are associated with many diseases. These modifications cannot be accessed with traditional sequencing methods. In this opinion, we highlight several emerging single-molecule sequencing techniques that have the potential to directly detect many types of DNA modifications as an integral part of the sequencing protocol.

Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of myeloproliferative neoplasms and understanding their effect on disease course and response to therapy: proceedings from the 6th International Post-ASH Symposium

Immediately after the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), a select group of clinical and laboratory investigators in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is summoned to a post-ASH conference on chronic myeloid leukemia and the BCR-ABL1-negative MPN. The 6th such meeting occurred on December 13–14,2011, in La Jolla, California, USA, under the direction of its founder,Dr. Tariq Mughal. The current document is the first of two reports on this post-ASH event and summarizes the most recent preclinical and clinical advances in polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia,and primary myelofibrosis.

Strikingly different properties of uracil-DNA glycosylases UNG2 and SMUG1 may explain divergent roles in processing of genomic uracil

Genomic uracil resulting from spontaneously deaminated cytosine generates mutagenic U:G mismatches that are usually corrected by error-free base excision repair (BER). However, in B-cells, activation-induced cytosine deaminase (AID) generates U:G mismatches in hot-spot sequences at Ig loci. These are subject to mutagenic processing during somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR). Uracil N-glycosylases UNG2 and SMUG1 (single strand-selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase 1) initiate error-free BER in most DNA contexts, but UNG2 is also involved in mutagenic processing of AID-induced uracil during the antibody diversification process, the regulation of which is not understood. AID is strictly single strand-specific. Here we show that in the presence of Mg2+ and monovalent salts, human and mouse SMUG1 are essentially double strand-specific, whereas UNG2 efficiently removes uracil from both single and double stranded DNA under all tested conditions. Furthermore, SMUG1 and UNG2 display widely different sequence preferences. Interestingly, uracil in a hot-spot sequence for AID is 200-fold more efficiently removed from single stranded DNA by UNG2 than by SMUG1. This may explain why SMUG1, which is not excluded from Ig loci, is unable to replace UNG2 in antibody diversification. We suggest a model for mutagenic processing in which replication protein A (RPA) recruits UNG2 to sites of deamination and keeps DNA in a single stranded conformation, thus avoiding error-free BER of the deaminated cytosine.