The ATPase domain but not the acidic region of Cockayne syndrome group B gene product is essential for DNA repair

The ARK2N-CK2 complex initiates transcription-coupled repair through enhancing the interaction of CSB with lesion-stalled RNAPII

Transcription is extremely important for cellular processes but can be hindered by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) pausing and stalling. Cockayne syndrome protein B (CSB) promotes the progression of paused RNAPII or initiates transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) to remove stalled RNAPII. However, the specific mechanism by which CSB initiates TC-NER upon damage remains unclear. In this study, we identified the indispensable role of the ARK2N-CK2 complex in the CSB-mediated initiation of TC-NER. The ARK2N-CK2 complex is recruited to damage sites through CSB and then phosphorylates CSB. Phosphorylation of CSB enhances its binding to stalled RNAPII, prolonging the association of CSB with chromatin and promoting CSA-mediated ubiquitination of stalled RNAPII. Consistent with this finding, Ark2n-/- mice exhibit a phenotype resembling Cockayne syndrome. These findings shed light on the pivotal role of the ARK2N-CK2 complex in governing the fate of RNAPII through CSB, bridging a critical gap necessary for initiating TC-NER.

Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel ERCC6 variant in a Vietnamese patient with Cockayne syndrome

We describe a case of Cockayne syndrome without photosensitivity in a Vietnamese family. This lack of photosensitivity prevented the establishment of a confirmed medical clinical diagnosis for 16 years. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a novel missense variant combined with a known nonsense variant in the ERCC6 gene, NM_000124.4: c.[2839C>T;2936A>G], p.[R947*;K979R]. This case emphasizes the importance of WES in investigating the etiology of a disease when patients do not present the complete clinical phenotypes of Cockayne syndrome.

LEO1 is a partner for Cockayne syndrome protein B (CSB) in response to transcription-blocking DNA damage

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by photosensitivity, developmental defects, neurological abnormalities, and premature aging. Mutations in CSA (ERCC8), CSB (ERCC6), XPB, XPD, XPG, XPF (ERCC4) and ERCC1 can give rise to clinical phenotypes resembling classic CS. Using a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening approach, we identified LEO1 (Phe381-Ser568 region) as an interacting protein partner of full-length and C-terminal (Pro1010-Cys1493) CSB in two independent screens. LEO1 is a member of the RNA polymerase associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) with roles in transcription elongation and chromatin modification. Supportive of the Y2H results, purified, recombinant LEO1 and CSB directly interact in vitro, and the two proteins exist in a common complex within human cells. In addition, fluorescently tagged LEO1 and CSB are both recruited to localized DNA damage sites in human cells. Cell fractionation experiments revealed a transcription-dependent, coordinated association of LEO1 and CSB to chromatin following either UVC irradiation or cisplatin treatment of HEK293T cells, whereas the response to menadione was distinct, suggesting that this collaboration occurs mainly in the context of bulky transcription-blocking lesions. Consistent with a coordinated interaction in DNA repair, LEO1 knockdown or knockout resulted in reduced CSB recruitment to chromatin, increased sensitivity to UVC light and cisplatin damage, and reduced RNA synthesis recovery and slower excision of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers following UVC irradiation; the absence of CSB resulted in diminished LEO1 recruitment. Our data indicate a reciprocal communication between CSB and LEO1 in the context of transcription-associated DNA repair and RNA transcription recovery.

Cockayne Syndrome Group B (CSB): The Regulatory Framework Governing the Multifunctional Protein and Its Plausible Role in Cancer

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a DNA repair syndrome characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations such as neurodegeneration, premature aging, developmental impairment, photosensitivity and other symptoms. Mutations in Cockayne syndrome protein B (CSB) are present in the vast majority of CS patients and in other DNA repair-related pathologies. In the literature, the role of CSB in different DNA repair pathways has been highlighted, however, new CSB functions have been identified in DNA transcription, mitochondrial biology, telomere maintenance and p53 regulation. Herein, we present an overview of identified structural elements and processes that impact on CSB activity and its post-translational modifications, known to balance the different roles of the protein not only during normal conditions but most importantly in stress situations. Moreover, since CSB has been found to be overexpressed in a number of different tumors, its role in cancer is presented and possible therapeutic targeting is discussed.

Current and emerging roles of Cockayne syndrome group B (CSB) protein

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a segmental premature aging syndrome caused primarily by defects in the CSA or CSB genes. In addition to premature aging, CS patients typically exhibit microcephaly, progressive mental and sensorial retardation and cutaneous photosensitivity. Defects in the CSB gene were initially thought to primarily impair transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER), predicting a relatively consistent phenotype among CS patients. In contrast, the phenotypes of CS patients are pleiotropic and variable. The latter is consistent with recent work that implicates CSB in multiple cellular systems and pathways, including DNA base excision repair, interstrand cross-link repair, transcription, chromatin remodeling, RNAPII processing, nucleolin regulation, rDNA transcription, redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. The discovery of additional functions for CSB could potentially explain the many clinical phenotypes of CSB patients. This review focuses on the diverse roles played by CSB in cellular pathways that enhance genome stability, providing insight into the molecular features of this complex premature aging disease.

Cockayne Syndrome: The many challenges and approaches to understand a multifaceted disease

The striking and complex phenotype of Cockayne syndrome (CS) patients combines progeria-like features with developmental deficits. Since the establishment of the in vitro culture of skin fibroblasts derived from patients with CS in the 1970s, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the genetic alterations associated with the disease and their impact on molecular, cellular, and organismal functions. In this review, we provide a historic perspective on the research into CS by revisiting seminal papers in this field. We highlighted the great contributions of several researchers in the last decades, ranging from the cloning and characterization of CS genes to the molecular dissection of their roles in DNA repair, transcription, redox processes and metabolism control. We also provide a detailed description of all pathological mutations in genes ERCC6 and ERCC8 reported to date and their impact on CS-related proteins. Finally, we review the contributions (and limitations) of many genetic animal models to the study of CS and how cutting-edge technologies, such as cell reprogramming and state-of-the-art genome editing, are helping us to address unanswered questions.

ROS-induced R loops trigger a transcription-coupled but BRCA1/2-independent homologous recombination pathway through CSB

Actively transcribed regions of the genome are protected by transcription-coupled DNA repair mechanisms, including transcription-coupled homologous recombination (TC-HR). Here we used reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce and characterize TC-HR at a transcribed locus in human cells. As canonical HR, TC-HR requires RAD51. However, the localization of RAD51 to damage sites during TC-HR does not require BRCA1 and BRCA2, but relies on RAD52 and Cockayne Syndrome Protein B (CSB). During TC-HR, RAD52 is recruited by CSB through an acidic domain. CSB in turn is recruited by R loops, which are strongly induced by ROS in transcribed regions. Notably, CSB displays a strong affinity for DNA:RNA hybrids in vitro, suggesting that it is a sensor of ROS-induced R loops. Thus, TC-HR is triggered by R loops, initiated by CSB, and carried out by the CSB-RAD52-RAD51 axis, establishing a BRCA1/2-independent alternative HR pathway protecting the transcribed genome.

Elements That Regulate the DNA Damage Response of Proteins Defective in Cockayne Syndrome

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a premature aging disorder characterized by developmental defects, multisystem progressive degeneration and sensitivity to ultraviolet light. CS is divided into two primary complementation groups, A and B, with the CSA and CSB proteins presumably functioning in DNA repair and transcription. Using laser microirradiation and confocal microscopy, we characterized the nature and regulation of the CS protein response to oxidative DNA damage, double-strand breaks (DSBs), angelicin monoadducts and trioxsalen interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). Our data indicate that CSB recruitment is influenced by the type of DNA damage and is most rapid and robust as follows: ICLs>DSBs>monoadducts>oxidative lesions. Transcription inhibition reduced accumulation of CSB at sites of monoadducts and ICLs, but it did not affect recruitment to (although slightly affected retention at) oxidative damage. Inhibition of histone deacetylation altered the dynamics of CSB assembly, suggesting a role for chromatin status in the response to DNA damage, whereas the proteasome inhibitor MG132 had no effect. The C-terminus of CSB and, in particular, its ubiquitin-binding domain were critical to recruitment, while the N-terminus and a functional ATPase domain played a minor role at best in facilitating protein accumulation. Although the absence of CSA had no effect on CSB recruitment, CSA itself localized at sites of ICLs, DSBs and monoadducts but not at oxidative lesions. Our results reveal molecular components of the CS protein response and point to a major involvement of complex lesions in the pathology of CS.

Regulation of the Rhp26ERCC6/CSB chromatin remodeler by a novel conserved leucine latch motif

CSB/ERCC6 (Cockayne syndrome B protein/excision repair cross-complementation group 6), a member of a subfamily of SWI2/SNF2 (SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable)-related chromatin remodelers, plays crucial roles in gene expression and the maintenance of genome integrity. Here, we report the mechanism of the autoregulation of Rhp26, which is the homolog of CSB/ERCC6 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We identified a novel conserved protein motif, termed the "leucine latch," at the N terminus of Rhp26. The leucine latch motif mediates the autoinhibition of the ATPase and chromatin-remodeling activities of Rhp26 via its interaction with the core ATPase domain. Moreover, we found that the C terminus of the protein counteracts this autoinhibition and that both the N- and C-terminal regions of Rhp26 are needed for its proper function in DNA repair in vivo. The presence of the leucine latch motif in organisms ranging from yeast to humans suggests a conserved mechanism for the autoregulation of CSB/ERCC6 despite the otherwise highly divergent nature of the N- and C-terminal regions.

Identification of two missense mutations of ERCC6 in three Chinese sisters with Cockayne syndrome by whole exome sequencing

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, the primary manifestations of which are poor growth and neurologic abnormality. Mutations of the ERCC6 and ERCC8 genes are the predominant cause of Cockayne syndrome, and the ERCC6 gene mutation is present in approximately 65% of cases. The present report describes a case of Cockayne syndrome in a Chinese family, with the patients carrying two missense mutations (c.1595A>G, p.Asp532Gly and c.1607T>G, p.Leu536Trp) in the ERCC6 gene in an apparently compound heterozygote status, especially, p.Asp532Gly has never been reported. The compound heterozygote mutation was found in three patients in the family using whole exome sequencing. The patients' father and mother carried a heterozygous allele at different locations of the ERCC6 gene, which was confirmed by Sanger DNA sequencing. The two mutations are both located in the highly conserved motif I of ATP-binding helicase and are considered "Damaging," "Probably Damaging," "Disease Causing," and "Conserved", indicating the role of DNA damage in the pathogenetic process of the disease. The results not only enrich the ERCC6 mutations database, but also indicate that whole exome sequencing will be a powerful tool for discovering the disease causing mutations in clinical diagnosis.

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.

Tethering of the conserved piggyBac transposase fusion protein CSB-PGBD3 to chromosomal AP-1 proteins regulates expression of nearby genes in humans

The CSB-PGBD3 fusion protein arose more than 43 million years ago when a 2.5-kb piggyBac 3 (PGBD3) transposon inserted into intron 5 of the Cockayne syndrome Group B (CSB) gene in the common ancestor of all higher primates. As a result, full-length CSB is now coexpressed with an abundant CSB-PGBD3 fusion protein by alternative splicing of CSB exons 1-5 to the PGBD3 transposase. An internal deletion of the piggyBac transposase ORF also gave rise to 889 dispersed, 140-bp MER85 elements that were mobilized in trans by PGBD3 transposase. The CSB-PGBD3 fusion protein binds MER85s in vitro and induces a strong interferon-like innate antiviral immune response when expressed in CSB-null UVSS1KO cells. To explore the connection between DNA binding and gene expression changes induced by CSB-PGBD3, we investigated the genome-wide DNA binding profile of the fusion protein. CSB-PGBD3 binds to 363 MER85 elements in vivo, but these sites do not correlate with gene expression changes induced by the fusion protein. Instead, CSB-PGBD3 is enriched at AP-1, TEAD1, and CTCF motifs, presumably through protein-protein interactions with the cognate transcription factors; moreover, recruitment of CSB-PGBD3 to AP-1 and TEAD1 motifs correlates with nearby genes regulated by CSB-PGBD3 expression in UVSS1KO cells and downregulated by CSB rescue of mutant CS1AN cells. Consistent with these data, the N-terminal CSB domain of the CSB-PGBD3 fusion protein interacts with the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun and with RNA polymerase II, and a chimeric CSB-LacI construct containing only the N-terminus of CSB upregulates many of the genes induced by CSB-PGBD3. We conclude that the CSB-PGBD3 fusion protein substantially reshapes the transcriptome in CS patient CS1AN and that continued expression of the CSB-PGBD3 fusion protein in the absence of functional CSB may affect the clinical presentation of CS patients by directly altering the transcriptional program.

Lack of recognition by global-genome nucleotide excision repair accounts for the high mutagenicity and persistence of aristolactam-DNA adducts

Exposure to aristolochic acid (AA), a component of Aristolochia plants used in herbal remedies, is associated with chronic kidney disease and urothelial carcinomas of the upper urinary tract. Following metabolic activation, AA reacts with dA and dG residues in DNA to form aristolactam (AL)-DNA adducts. These mutagenic lesions generate a unique TP53 mutation spectrum, dominated by A:T to T:A transversions with mutations at dA residues located almost exclusively on the non-transcribed strand. We determined the level of AL-dA adducts in human fibroblasts treated with AA to determine if this marked strand bias could be accounted for by selective resistance to global-genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER). AL-dA adduct levels were elevated in cells deficient in GG-NER and transcription-coupled NER, but not in XPC cell lines lacking GG-NER only. In vitro, plasmids containing a single AL-dA adduct were resistant to the early recognition and incision steps of NER. Additionally, the NER damage sensor, XPC-RAD23B, failed to specifically bind to AL-DNA adducts. However, placing AL-dA in mismatched sequences promotes XPC-RAD23B binding and renders this adduct susceptible to NER, suggesting that specific structural features of this adduct prevent processing by NER. We conclude that AL-dA adducts are not recognized by GG-NER, explaining their high mutagenicity and persistence in target tissues.

Transcription factor IIS impacts UV-inhibited transcription

Inhibition of transcription elongation can cause severe developmental and neurological abnormalities notably manifested by the rare recessive progeroid disorder Cockayne syndrome (CS). DNA alterations can cause permanent blocks to an elongating RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) leading to transcriptional arrest. Abrogation of transcription arrest requires removal of transcription blocking lesions through transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) a process defective in CS. Transcription elongation factor IIS (TFIIS) has been found to localize with the TC-NER complex after cellular exposure to UV-C light and in vitro addition of TFIIS to a damage arrested RNAPII causes transcript shortening. Hence default TFIIS activity might mimic or contribute to the severe phenotype of Cockayne syndrome. Here we show that down regulation of TFIIS by siRNA treatment of human cells lead to impaired RNA synthesis recovery and elevated levels of hyper-phosphorylated RNAPII after UV-irradiation. TFIIS knock down does not affect TC-NER, the reappearance of hypo-phosphorylated RNAPII post-UV-irradiation, UV sensitivity or the p53 damage response. These findings reveal a role for TFIIS in transcription recovery and re-establishment of the balance between hypo- and hyper-phosphorylated RNAPII after DNA damage repair.

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.

Nucleic acid binding activity of human Cockayne syndrome B protein and identification of Ca(2+) as a novel metal cofactor

The Cockayne syndrome group B protein (CSB) is a member of the SWI/SNF2 subgroup of Superfamily 2 ATPases/nucleic acid translocases/helicases and is defective in the autosomal recessive segmental progeroid disorder Cockayne syndrome. This study examines the ATP-dependent and the ATP-independent biochemical functions of human CSB. We show that Ca(2+) is a novel metal cofactor of CSB for ATP hydrolysis, mainly through the enhancement of k(cat), and that a variety of biologically relevant model nucleic acid substrates can function to activate CSB ATPase activity with either Mg(2+) or Ca(2+) present. However, CSB lacked detectable ATP-dependent helicase and single- or double-stranded nucleic acid translocase activities in the presence of either divalent metal. CSB was found to support ATP-independent complementary strand annealing of DNA/DNA, DNA/RNA, and RNA/RNA duplexes, with Ca(2+) again promoting optimal activity. CSB formed a stable protein:DNA complex with a 34mer double-stranded DNA in electrophoretic mobility-shift assays, independent of divalent metal or nucleotide (e.g. ATP). Moreover, CSB was able to form a stable complex with a range of nucleic acid substrates, including bubble and "pseudo-triplex" double-stranded DNAs that resemble replication and transcription intermediates, as well as forked duplexes of DNA/DNA, DNA/RNA, and RNA/RNA composition, the latter two of which do not promote CSB ATPase activity. Association of CSB with DNA, independent of ATP binding or hydrolysis, was seemingly sufficient to displace or rearrange a stable pre-bound protein:DNA complex, a property potentially important for its roles in transcription and DNA repair.

Cockayne syndrome group B protein is engaged in processing of DNA adducts of lipid peroxidation product trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal

Cockayne syndrome complementation group B (CSB) protein is engaged in transcription-coupled repair (TCR) of UV induced DNA damage and its deficiency leads to progressive multisystem degeneration and premature aging. Here, we show that human CSB-deficient cells are hypersensitive to physiological concentrations (1-10 microM) of a lipid peroxidation product, trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), and in response to HNE they develop a higher level of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in comparison to the wild-type cells. HNE-DNA adducts block in vitro transcription by T7 RNA polymerase, as well as by HeLa cell-free extracts. Treatment of wild-type cells with 1-20 microM HNE causes dephosphorylation of the CSB protein, which stimulates its ATPase activity necessary for TCR. However, high HNE concentrations (100-200 microM) inhibit in vitro CSB ATPase activity as well as the transcription machinery in HeLa cell-free extracts. Cell lines expressing CSB protein mutated in different ATPase domains exhibit different sensitivities to HNE. The motif II mutant, which binds ATP, but is defective in ATP hydrolysis was as sensitive to HNE as CSB-null cells. In contrast, motif V mutant cells were as sensitive to HNE as were the cells bearing wild-type protein, while motif VI mutant cells showed intermediate sensitivity to HNE. These mutants exhibit decreased ATP binding, but retain residual ATPase activity. Homology modeling suggested that amino acids mutated in motifs II and VI are localized closer to the ATP binding site than amino acids mutated in ATPase motif V. These results suggest that HNE-DNA adducts are extremely toxic endogenous DNA lesion, and that their processing involves CSB. When these lesions are not removed from the transcribed DNA strand due to CSB gene mutation or CSB protein inactivation by high, pathological HNE concentrations, they may contribute to accelerated aging.

Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair in mammalian cells: molecular mechanisms and biological effects

The encounter of elongating RNA polymerase II (RNAPIIo) with DNA lesions has severe consequences for the cell as this event provides a strong signal for P53-dependent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. To counteract prolonged blockage of transcription, the cell removes the RNAPIIo-blocking DNA lesions by transcription-coupled repair (TC-NER), a specialized subpathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER). Exposure of mice to UVB light or chemicals has elucidated that TC-NER is a critical survival pathway protecting against acute toxic and long-term effects (cancer) of genotoxic exposure. Deficiency in TC-NER is associated with mutations in the CSA and CSB genes giving rise to the rare human disorder Cockayne syndrome (CS). Recent data suggest that CSA and CSB play differential roles in mammalian TC-NER: CSB as a repair coupling factor to attract NER proteins, chromatin remodellers and the CSA- E3-ubiquitin ligase complex to the stalled RNAPIIo. CSA is dispensable for attraction of NER proteins, yet in cooperation with CSB is required to recruit XAB2, the nucleosomal binding protein HMGN1 and TFIIS. The emerging picture of TC-NER is complex: repair of transcription-blocking lesions occurs without displacement of the DNA damage-stalled RNAPIIo, and requires at least two essential assembly factors (CSA and CSB), the core NER factors (except for XPC-RAD23B), and TC-NER specific factors. These and yet unidentified proteins will accomplish not only efficient repair of transcription-blocking lesions, but are also likely to contribute to DNA damage signalling events.

A variant of the Cockayne syndrome B gene ERCC6 confers risk of lung cancer

Cockayne syndrome B protein (ERCC6) plays an essential role in DNA repair. However, the Cockayne syndrome caused by the ERCC6 defect has not been linked to cancer predisposition; likely due to the fact that cells with severe disruption of the ERCC6 function are sensitive to lesion-induced apoptosis, thus reducing the chance of tumorigenesis. The biological function and cancer susceptibility of a common variant rs3793784:C>G (c.-6530C>G) in the ERCC6 was examined. We show that the c.-6530C allele has lower binding affinity of Sp1 by EMSA and displays a lower transcriptional activity in vitro and in vivo. We then examined the contribution of this polymorphism to the risk of lung cancer in a case-control study with 1,000 cases and 1,000 controls. The case-control analysis revealed a 1.76-fold (P= x 10(-9)) excess risk of developing lung cancer for the c.-6530CC carriers compared with noncarriers. The c.-6530CC interacts with smoking to intensify lung cancer risk, with the odds ratio (OR)=9 for developing lung cancer among heavy smokers. Our data constituted strong evidence that ERCC6 rs3793784:C>G alters its transcriptional activity and may confer personalized susceptibility to lung cancer.

The current evidence for defective repair of oxidatively damaged DNA in Cockayne syndrome

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare recessive disorder characterized by a number of developmental abnormalities and premature aging. Two complementation groups (A and B) have been identified so far in CS cases. Defective transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair is the hallmark of these patients, but in recent years evidence has been presented for a possible defect in the base excision repair pathway that removes oxidized bases. Recent results indicate that both A and B complementation groups are involved but the phenotypical consequences of this flaw remain undetermined.

Cockayne syndrome B protein stimulates apurinic endonuclease 1 activity and protects against agents that introduce base excision repair intermediates

The Cockayne syndrome B (CSB) protein--defective in a majority of patients suffering from the rare autosomal disorder CS--is a member of the SWI2/SNF2 family with roles in DNA repair and transcription. We demonstrate herein that purified recombinant CSB and the major human apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease, APE1, physically and functionally interact. CSB stimulates the AP site incision activity of APE1 on normal (i.e. fully paired) and bubble AP-DNA substrates, with the latter being more pronounced (up to 6-fold). This activation is ATP-independent, and specific for the human CSB and full-length APE1 protein, as no CSB-dependent stimulation was observed with Escherichia coli endonuclease IV or an N-terminal truncated APE1 fragment. CSB and APE1 were also found in a common protein complex in human cell extracts, and recombinant CSB, when added back to CSB-deficient whole cell extracts, resulted in increased total AP site incision capacity. Moreover, human fibroblasts defective in CSB were found to be hypersensitive to both methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine, agents that introduce base excision repair (BER) DNA substrates/intermediates.

Cockayne syndrome group B protein has novel strand annealing and exchange activities

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare inherited human genetic disorder characterized by UV sensitivity, severe neurological abnormalities and prageroid symptoms. The CS complementation group B (CSB) protein is involved in UV-induced transcription coupled repair (TCR), base excision repair and general transcription. CSB also has a DNA-dependent ATPase activity that may play a role in remodeling chromatin in vivo. This study reports the novel finding that CSB catalyzes the annealing of complementary single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules with high efficiency, and has strand exchange activity. The rate of CSB-catalyzed annealing of complementary ssDNA is 25-fold faster than the rate of spontaneous ssDNA annealing under identical in vitro conditions and the reaction occurs with a high specificity in the presence of excess non-homologous ssDNA. The specificity and intrinsic nature of the reaction is also confirmed by the observation that it is stimulated by dephosphorylation of CSB, which occurs after UV-induced DNA damage, and is inhibited in the presence of ATPγS. Potential roles of CSB in cooperation with strand annealing and exchange activities for TCR and homologous recombination are discussed.

The Cockayne syndrome group B protein is a functional dimer

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare inherited human genetic disorder characterized by developmental abnormalities, UV sensitivity, and premature aging. The CS group B (CSB) protein belongs to the SNF2-family of DNA-dependent ATPases and is implicated in transcription elongation, transcription coupled repair, and base excision repair. It is a DNA stimulated ATPase and remodels chromatin in vitro. We demonstrate for the first time that full-length CSB positively cooperates in ATP hydrolysis as a function of protein concentration. We have investigated the quaternary structure of CSB using a combination of protein-protein complex trapping experiments and gel filtration, and found that CSB forms a dimer in solution. Chromatography studies revealed that enzymatically active CSB has an apparent molecular mass of approximately 360 kDa, consistent with dimerization of CSB. Importantly, in vivo protein cross-linking showed the presence of the CSB dimer in the nucleus of HeLa cells. We further show that dimerization occurs through the central ATPase domain of the protein. These results have implications for the mechanism of action of CSB, and suggest that other SNF2-family members might also function as dimers.

Multiple Involvement of Oxidative Stress in Werner Syndrome Phenotype

Werner syndrome is a genetic disease characterized by early ageing, excess cancer risk, high incidence of type II diabetes mellitus, early atherosclerosis, ocular cataracts, and osteoporosis. The protein encoded by the defective gene, WRN (WRNp) associates with three activities, that is, a RecQ DNA helicase, 3'-5'-exonuclease and ATPase activities. By highlighting the DNA helicase activity, a widespread consensus in WS-associated defect(s) has been established, pointing toward a deficiency in maintaining DNA integrity. However, a possible involvement of redox pathways in WS may be suggested by several lines of evidence that include: (i) the multiple functions and interactions of WRNp with oxidative stress-related activities and factors; (ii) the pleiotropic WS clinical phenotype encompassing a number of oxidative stress-related pathologies; (iii) redox-related toxicity mechanisms of several xenobiotics exerting excess toxicity in WS cells; (iv) recent in vivo and in vitro findings of redox abnormalities in WS patients and in WS cells. The working hypothesis is raised that a deficiency in WRNp, and the pleiotropic clinical phenotype in WS patients may provide the basis to envision an underlying in vivo prooxidant state, which causes oxidative damage to biomolecules, with multiple oxidative stress-related alterations, resulting in multi-faceted clinical consequences.

Activation of ATM and Chk2 kinases in relation to the amount of DNA strand breaks

The diverse checkpoint responses to DNA damage may reflect differential sensitivities by molecular components of the damage-signalling network to the type and amount of lesions. Here, we determined the kinetics of activation of the checkpoint kinases ATM and Chk2 (the latter substrate of ATM) in relation to the initial yield of genomic DNA single-strand (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs). We show that doses of gamma-radiation (IR) as low as 0.25 Gy, which generate vast numbers of SSBs but only a few DSBs per cell (<8), promptly activate ATM kinase and induce the phosphorylation of the ATM substrates p53-Ser15, Nbs1-Ser343 and Chk2-Thr68. The full activation of Chk2 kinase, however, is triggered by treatments inflicting >19 DSBs per cell (e.g. 1 Gy), which cause Chk2 autophosphorylation on Thr387, Chk2-dependent accumulation of p21waf1 and checkpoint arrest in the S phase. Our results indicate that, in contrast to ATM, Chk2 activity is triggered by a greater number of DSBs, implying that, below a certain threshold level of lesions (<19 DSBs), DNA repair can occur through ATM, without enforcing Chk2-dependent checkpoints.

In UV-irradiated Saccharomyces cerevisiae, overexpression of Swi2/Snf2 family member Rad26 increases transcription-coupled repair and repair of the non-transcribed strand

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) in eukaryotes is a pathway conserved from yeast to humans that removes many bulky chemical adducts and UV-induced photoproducts from DNA in a relatively error-free manner. In addition to the recognition and excision of DNA damage throughout the genome (GGR), there exists a mechanism, transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TCR), for recognizing some types of DNA damage in the transcribed strand of genes in Escherichia coli, yeast and mammalian cells. An obstacle in the repair of the transcribed strand of active genes is the RNA polymerase complex stalled at sites of DNA damage. The stalled RNA polymerase complex may then mediate recruitment of repair proteins to damage in the transcribed strand. Proteins enabling TCR are the Cockayne syndrome B (CSB) protein in humans and its yeast homologue Rad26. Both CSB and Rad26 belong to the Swi2/Snf2 family of DNA-dependent ATPases, which change DNA accessibility to proteins by altering chromatin structure. To address how Rad26 functions in yeast repair, we used the genetic approach of overexpressing Rad26 and examined phenotypic changes, i.e. changes in NER. We found that repair of both the transcribed and the non-transcribed strands is increased. In addition, overexpression of Rad26 partially bypasses the requirement for Rad7 in GGR, specifically in the repair of non-transcribed sequences. As TCR takes place in very localized regions of DNA (i.e. within genes) in wild-type cells, we propose that overexpression of recombinant Rad26 increases accessibility of the damaged DNA in chromatin for interaction with repair proteins.

Cockayne syndrome group B cellular and biochemical functions

The devastating genetic disorder Cockayne syndrome (CS) arises from mutations in the CSA and CSB genes. CS is characterized by progressive multisystem degeneration and is classified as a segmental premature-aging syndrome. The CS complementation group B (CSB) protein is at the interface of transcription and DNA repair and is involved in transcription-coupled and global genome-DNA repair, as well as in general transcription. Recent structure-function studies indicate a process-dependent variation in the molecular mechanism employed by CSB and provide a starting ground for a description of the mechanisms and their interplay.

Functional consequences of mutations in the conserved SF2 motifs and post-translational phosphorylation of the CSB protein

The rare inherited human genetic disorder Cockayne syndrome (CS) is characterized by developmental abnormalities, UV sensitivity and premature aging. The cellular and molecular phenotypes of CS include increased sensitivity to UV-induced and oxidative DNA lesions. Two genes are involved: CSA and CSB. The CS group B (CSB) protein has roles in transcription, transcription-coupled repair, and base excision repair. It is a DNA stimulated ATPase and remodels chromatin in vitro. Here, we have analyzed wild-type (wt) and motif II, V and VI mutant CSB proteins. We find that the mutant proteins display different degrees of ATPase activity deficiency, and in contrast to the in vivo complementation studies, the motif II mutant is more defective than motif V and VI CSB mutants. Furthermore, CSB wt ATPase activity was studied with different biologically important DNA cofactors: DNA with different secondary structures and damaged DNA. The results indicate that the state of DNA secondary structure affects the level of CSB ATPase activity. We find that the CSB protein is phosphorylated in untreated cells and that UV irradiation leads to its dephosphorylation. Importantly, dephosphorylation of the protein in vitro results in increased ATPase activity of the protein, suggesting that the activity of the CSB protein is subject to phosphorylation control in vivo. These observations may have significant implications for the function of CSB in vivo.

Mitochondrial repair of 8-oxoguanine is deficient in Cockayne syndrome group B

Reactive oxygen species, which are prevalent in mitochondria, cause oxidative DNA damage including the mutagenic DNA lesion 7,8-dihydroxyguanine (8-oxoG). Oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA has been implicated as a causative factor in a wide variety of degenerative diseases, and in cancer and aging. 8-oxoG is repaired efficiently in mammalian mitochondrial DNA by enzymes in the base excision repair pathway, including the 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1), which incizes the lesion in the first step of repair. Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a segmental premature aging syndrome in humans that has two complementation groups, CSA and CSB. Previous studies showed that CSB-deficient cells have reduced capacity to repair 8-oxoG. This study examines the role of the CSB gene in regulating repair of 8-oxoG in mitochondrial DNA in human and mouse cells. 8-oxoG repair was measured in liver cells from CSB deficient mice and in human CS-B cells carrying expression vectors for wild type or mutant forms of the human CSB gene. For the first time we report that CSB stimulates repair of 8-oxoG in mammalian mitochondrial DNA. Furthermore, evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that wild type CSB regulates expression of OGG1.

Global genome repair of 8-oxoG in hamster cells requires a functional CSB gene product

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is an autosomal recessive human disease characterized by UV-sensitivity as well as neurological and developmental abnormalities. Two complementation groups have been established, designated CS-A and CS-B. Traditionally, CSA and CSB have been ascribed a function in the transcription-coupled repair (TCR) pathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER) that efficiently removes bulky lesions from the transcribed strand of RNA polymerase II transcribed genes. To assess the role of the CSB protein in the repair of the highly mutagenic base lesion 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), we have investigated the removal of this lesion using an in vitro incision approach with cell extracts as well as an in vivo approach with a modified protocol of the gene-specific repair assay, which allows the measurement of base lesion repair in intragenomic sequences. Our results demonstrate that the integrity of the CSB protein is pivotal for processes leading to incision at the site of 8-oxoG and that the global genome repair (GGR) of this lesion requires a functional CSB gene product in vivo.

Differential requirement for the ATPase domain of the Cockayne syndrome group B gene in the processing of UV-induced DNA damage and 8-oxoguanine lesions in human cells

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare inherited human genetic disorder characterized by UV sensitivity, developmental abnormalities and premature aging. The cellular and molecular phenotypes of CS include increased sensitivity to oxidative and UV-induced DNA lesions. The CSB protein is thought to play a pivotal role in transcription-coupled repair and CS-B cells are defective in the repair of the transcribed strand of active genes, both after exposure to UV and in the presence of oxidative DNA lesions. A previous study has indicated that a conserved helicase ATPase motif II residue is essential for the function of the CSB protein in responding to UV-induced DNA damage in a hamster cell line. Due to the limitations in studying a complex human disorder in another species, this study introduced the site-directed mutation of the ATPase motif II in the human CSB gene in an isogenic human cell line. The CSB mutant allele was tested for genetic complementation of UV-sensitive phenotypes in the human CS-B cell line CS1AN.S3.G2. In addition, the incision of an 8-oxoguanine lesion by extracts of the CS-B cell lines stably transfected with the wild-type or ATPase mutant CSB gene has been investigated. The ATPase motif II point mutation (E646Q) abolished the function of the CSB protein to complement the UV-sensitive phenotypes of survival, RNA synthesis recovery and apoptosis. Interestingly, whole-cell extract prepared from these mutant cells retained wild-type incision activity on an oligonucleotide containing a single 8-oxoguanine lesion, whereas the absence of the CSB gene altogether resulted in reduced incision activity relative to wild-type. These results suggest damage-specific functional requirements for CSB in the repair of UV-induced and oxidative lesions in human cells. The transfection of the mutant or wild-type CSB gene into the CS1AN.S3.G2 cells did not alter the expression of the subset of genes examined by cDNA array analysis.

Phenotypic consequences of mutations in the conserved motifs of the putative helicase domain of the human Cockayne syndrome group B gene

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a human genetic disorder characterized by several neurological and developmental abnormalities. Two genetic complementation groups, CS-A and CS-B, have been identified. The CSB protein belongs to helicase superfamily 2, and to the SWI/SNF family of proteins. The CSB protein is implicated in transcription-coupled repair (TCR), basal transcription and chromatin remodeling. In addition, CS cells undergo UV-induced apoptosis at much lower doses than normal cells. However, the molecular function of the CSB protein in these biological pathways has remained unclear. Evidence indicates that the integrity of the Walker A and B boxes (motifs I and II) are important for CSB function, but the functional significance of the helicase motifs Ia, III--IV has not been previously examined. In this study, single amino acid changes in highly conserved residues of helicase motifs Ia, III, V, VI and a second putative nucleotide-binding motif (NTB) of the CSB protein were generated by site-directed mutagenesis to analyze the genetic function of the CSB protein in survival, RNA synthesis recovery and apoptosis after UV treatment. The survival analysis of these CS-B mutant cell lines was also performed after treatment with the chemical carcinogen, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO). The lesions induced by UV light, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, are known to be repaired by TCR whereas the lesions induced by 4-NQO are repaired by global genome repair. The results of this study demonstrate that the point mutations in highly conserved residues of helicase motifs Ia, III, V and VI abolished the genetic function of the CSB protein in survival, RNA synthesis recovery and apoptosis after UV treatment. Similarly, the same mutants failed to complement the sensitivity toward 4-NQO. Thus, the integrity of these helicase motifs is important for the biological function of the CSB protein. On the contrary, a point mutation in a C-terminal, second, NTB motif of the CSB protein showed full complementation in the ability to repair damage induced by UV light or 4-NQO, suggesting that this motif is not important for the CSB repair function.

The Cockayne Syndrome group B gene product is involved in general genome base excision repair of 8-hydroxyguanine in DNA

Cockayne Syndrome (CS) is a human genetic disorder with two complementation groups, CS-A and CS-B. The CSB gene product is involved in transcription-coupled repair of DNA damage but may participate in other pathways of DNA metabolism. The present study investigated the role of different conserved helicase motifs of CSB in base excision repair. Stably transformed human cell lines with site-directed CSB mutations in different motifs within its putative helicase domain were established. We find that CSB null and helicase motif V and VI mutants had greater sensitivity than wild type cells to gamma-radiation. Whole cell extracts from CSB null and motif V/VI mutants had lower activity of 8-hydroxyguanine incision in DNA than wild type cells. Also, 8-hydroxyguanine accumulated more in CSB null and motif VI mutant cells than in wild type cells after exposure to gamma-radiation. We conclude that a deficiency in general genome base excision repair of selective modified DNA base(s) might contribute to CS pathogenesis. Furthermore, whereas the disruption of helicase motifs V or VI results in a CSB phenotype, mutations in other helicase motifs do not cause this effect. The biological functions of CSB in different DNA repair pathways may be mediated by distinct functional motifs of the protein.

Transcription coupled repair deficiency results in increased chromosomal aberrations and apoptotic death in the UV61 cell line, the Chinese hamster homologue of Cockayne's syndrome B

Transcription coupled repair (TCR), a special sub-pathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER), removes transcription blocking lesions rapidly from the transcribing strand of active genes. In this study, we have evaluated the importance of the TCR pathway in the induction of chromosomal aberrations and apoptosis in isogenic Chinese hamster cell lines, which differ in TCR efficiency. AA8 is the parental cell line, which is proficient in the genome overall repair of UV-C radiation induced 6-4 photoproducts (6-4 PP) and the repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) from the transcribing strand of active genes. UV61 cells (hamster homologue of human Cockayne's syndrome (CS) group B cells) originally isolated from AA8, exhibit proficient repair of 6-4 PP but are deficient in CPD removal by the TCR pathway. Upon UV-C irradiation of cells in G1-phase, UV61 showed a dramatic increase in apoptotic response as compared to AA8 cells. Abolition of TCR by treatment with alpha-amanitin (an inhibitor of RNA polymerase II) in AA8 cells also resulted in an elevated apoptotic response like that observed in UV61 cells treated with UV alone. This suggests that the lack of TCR is largely responsible for increased apoptotic response in UV61 cells. Furthermore, the chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induced by UV were also found to be higher in UV61 cells than in TCR proficient AA8 cells. This study shows that the increased chromosomal aberrations and apoptotic death in UV61 cells is due to their inability to remove CPD from the transcribing strand of active genes and suggests a protective role for TCR in the prevention of both chromosomal aberrations and apoptosis induced by DNA damage. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis and time-course appearance of apoptotic cells suggest that the conversion of UV-DNA damage into chromosomal aberrations precedes and determines the apoptotic process.

Gene and sequence specificity of DNA damage induction and repair: consequences for mutagenesis

The field of DNA repair has been expanded enormously in the last 20 years. In this paper, work on gene and sequence specificity of DNA damage induction and repair is summarized in the light of the large and broad contribution of Phil Hanawalt to this field of research. Furthermore, the consequences of DNA damage and repair for mutation induction is discussed, and the contribution of Paul Lohman to the development of assays employing transgenic mice for the detection of gene mutations is highlighted.

Human DNA repair genes

DNA repair systems are essential for the maintenance of genome integrity. Consequently, the disregulation of repair genes can be expected to be associated with significant, detrimental health effects, which can include an increased prevalence of birth defects, an enhancement of cancer risk, and an accelerated rate of aging. Although original insights into DNA repair and the genes responsible were largely derived from studies in bacteria and yeast, well over 125 genes directly involved in DNA repair have now been identified in humans, and their cDNA sequence established. These genes function in a diverse set of pathways that involve the recognition and removal of DNA lesions, tolerance to DNA damage, and protection from errors of incorporation made during DNA replication or DNA repair. Additional genes indirectly affect DNA repair, by regulating the cell cycle, ostensibly to provide an opportunity for repair or to direct the cell to apoptosis. For about 70 of the DNA repair genes listed in Table I, both the genomic DNA sequence and the cDNA sequence and chromosomal location have been elucidated. In 45 cases single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified and, in some cases, genetic variants have been associated with specific disorders. With the accelerating rate of gene discovery, the number of identified DNA repair genes and sequence variants is quickly rising. This report tabulates the current status of what is known about these genes. The report is limited to genes whose function is directly related to DNA repair.

Molecular characterization of an acidic region deletion mutant of Cockayne syndrome group B protein

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a human genetic disorder characterized by post-natal growth failure, neurological abnormalities and premature aging. CS cells exhibit high sensitivity to UV light, delayed RNA synthesis recovery after UV irradiation and defective transcription-coupled repair (TCR). Two genetic complementation groups of CS have been identified, designated CS-A and CS-B. The CSB gene encodes a helicase domain and a highly acidic region N-terminal to the helicase domain. This study describes the genetic characterization of a CSB mutant allele encoding a full deletion of the acidic region. We have tested its ability to complement the sensitivity of UV61, the hamster homolog of human CS-B cells, to UV and the genotoxic agent N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (NA-AAF). Deleting 39 consecutive amino acids, of which approximately 60% are negatively charged, did not impact on the ability of the protein to complement the sensitive phenotype of UV61 cells to either UV or NA-AAF. Our data indicate that the highly acidic region of CSB is not essential for the TCR and general genome repair pathways of UV- and NA-AAF-induced DNA lesions.

Genomic heterogeneity of nucleotide excision repair

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is one of the major cellular pathways that removes bulky DNA adducts and helix-distorting lesions. The biological consequences of defective NER in humans include UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis and extensive neurodegeneration. Understanding the mechanism of the NER process is of great importance as the number of individuals diagnosed with skin cancer has increased considerably in recent years, particularly in the United States. Rapid progress made in the DNA repair field since the early 1980s has revealed the complexity of NER, which operates differently in different genomic regions. The genomic heterogeneity of repair seems to be governed by the functional compartmentalization of chromatin into transcriptionally active and inactive domains in the nucleus. Two sub-pathways of NER remove UV-induced photolesions: (I) Global Genome Repair (GGR) and (II) Transcription Coupled Repair (TCR). GGR is a random process that occurs slowly, while the TCR, which is tightly linked to RNA polymerase II transcription, is highly specific and efficient. The efficiency of these pathways is important in avoiding cancer and genomic instability. Studies with cell lines derived from Cockayne syndrome (CS) and Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) group C patients, that are defective in the NER sub-pathways, have yielded valuable information regarding the genomic heterogeneity of DNA repair. This review deals with the complexity of repair heterogeneity, its mechanism and interacting molecular pathways as well as its relevance in the maintenance of genomic integrity.

Role of the ATPase domain of the Cockayne syndrome group B protein in UV induced apoptosis

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a human autosomal recessive disorder characterized by many neurological and developmental abnormalities. CS cells are defective in the transcription coupled repair (TCR) pathway that removes DNA damage from the transcribed strand of active genes. The individuals suffering from CS do not generally develop cancer but show increased neurodegeneration. Two genetic complementation groups (CS-A and CS-B) have been identified. The lack of cancer formation in CS may be due to selective elimination of cells containing DNA damage by a suicidal pathway. In this study, we have evaluated the role of the CSB gene in UV induced apoptosis in human and hamster cells. The hamster cell line UV61 carries a mutation in the homolog of the human CSB gene. We show that both human CS-B and hamster UV61 cells display increased apoptotic response following UV exposure compared with normal cells. The increased sensitivity of UV61 cells to apoptosis is complemented by the transfection of the wild type human CSB gene. In order to determine which functional domain of the CSB gene participates in the apoptotic pathway, we constructed stable cell lines with different CSB domain disruptions. UV61 cells were stably transfected with the human CSB cDNA containing a point mutation in the highly conserved glutamic acid residue in ATPase motif II. This cell line (UV61/ pc3.1-CSBE646Q) showed the same increased apoptosis as the UV61 cells. In contrast, cells containing a deletion in the acidic domain at the N-terminal end of the CSB protein had no effect on apoptosis. This indicates that the integrity of the ATPase domain of CSB protein is critical for preventing the UV induced apoptotic pathway. In primary human CS-B cells, the induction and stabilization of the p53 protein seems to correlate with their increased apoptotic potential. In contrast, no change in the level of either p53 or activation of mdm2 protein by p53 was observed in hamster UV61 cells after UV exposure. This suggests that the CSB dependent apoptotic pathway can occur independently of the transactivation potential of p53 in hamster cells.