Sequence and organization of the mouse poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase gene

Therapeutic intervention by the simultaneous inhibition of DNA repair and type I or type II DNA topoisomerases: one strategy, many outcomes

Many anticancer drugs reduce the integrity of DNA, forming strand breaks. This can cause mutations and cancer or cell death if the lesions are not repaired. Interestingly, DNA repair-deficient cancer cells (e.g., those with BRCA1/2 mutations) have been shown to exhibit increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. Based on this observation, a new therapeutic approach termed 'synthetic lethality' has been developed, in which radiation therapy or cytotoxic anticancer agents are employed in conjunction with selective inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Such combinations can cause severe genomic instability in transformed cells resulting in cell death. The synergistic effects of combining PARP-1 inhibition with anticancer drugs have been demonstrated. However, the outcome of this therapeutic strategy varies significantly between cancer types, suggesting that synthetic lethality may be influenced by additional cellular factors. This review focuses on the outcomes of the combined action of PARP-1 inhibitors and agents that affect the activity of DNA topoisomerases.

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 interacts with Sry and modulates its biological functions

Sry encodes a putative transcription factor that switches on testis differentiation during embryogenesis. Currently, the mechanism(s) by which Sry mediates such developmental process is still uncertain. To understand its gene regulation mechanism, we have utilized an in vitro affinity chromatography and proteomic strategy to identify and characterize Sry binding proteins from the mouse testis potentially involved in the formation of an Sry transcriptional complex(es). Our study has consistently identified the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) as an Sry interactive protein. PARP-1 is expressed in mouse fetal gonads at the time of sex determination and co-localized with Sry in the nuclei of pre-Sertoli cells. PARP-1 could be co-immunoprecipitated with Sry in cultured cells. The interactive domains have been mapped to the HMG box of Sry and the zinc fingers of the PARP-1 protein, respectively. The Sry-PARP-1 interaction is evolutionarily conserved and it interferes with the ability of Sry in binding to its consensus sequence. In the presence of its substrate, PARP-1 poly(ADP-ribosyl)ates Sry and minimizes severely its DNA-binding activities. PARP-1 represses Sry-mediated transactivation of a reporter gene in cultured cells. Hence, PARP-1 could modulate the regulatory function(s) of Sry on its target genes in this developmental pathway.

A bidirectional promoter connects the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP-2) gene to the gene for RNase P RNA. structure and expression of the mouse PARP-2 gene

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP-2) is a DNA damage-dependent enzyme that belongs to a growing family of enzymes seemingly involved in genome protection. To gain insight into the physiological role of PARP-2 and to investigate mechanisms of PARP-2 gene regulation, we cloned and characterized the murine PARP-2 gene. The PARP-2 gene consists of 16 exons and 15 introns spanning about 13 kilobase pairs. Interestingly, the PARP-2 gene lies head to head with the gene encoding the mouse RNase P RNA subunit. The distance between the transcription start sites of the PARP-2 and RNase P RNA genes is 114 base pairs. This suggested that regulation of the expression of both genes may be coordinated through a bi-directional promoter. The PARP-2/RNase P RNA gene organization is conserved in the human. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a RNA polymerase II gene and an RNA polymerase III gene sharing the same promoter region and potentially the same transcriptional control elements. Reporter gene constructs showed that the 113-base pair intergenic region was indeed sufficient for the expression of both genes and revealed the importance of both the TATA and the DSE/Oct-1 expression control elements for the PARP-2 gene transcription. The expression of both genes is clearly independently regulated. PARP-2 is expressed only in certain tissues, and RNase P RNA is expressed in all tissues. This suggests that both genes may be subjected to multiple levels of control and may be regulated by different factors in different cellular contexts.

Expression in yeast and purification of functional recombinant human poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP). Comparative pharmacological profile with that of the rat enzyme

Human poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) was expressed in the yeast line JEL1 under the control of a GAL promoter. Proteins were extracted and human recombinant PARP purified to apparent homogeneity. The pharmacological profile of this human enzyme was characterised in terms of the effects of known inhibitors of PARP belonging to various chemical families and this was compared with that of the rat enzyme purified from rat testes, using the same purification protocol. The rat and the human enzymes appeared very similar in terms of their sensitivities to those selected inhibitors.

The large subunit of the DNA replication complex C (DSEB/RF-C140) cleaved and inactivated by caspase-3 (CPP32/YAMA) during Fas-induced apoptosis

We report the identification of the large subunit of the DNA replication factor, DSEB/RF-C140, as a new substrate for caspase-3 (CPP32/YAMA), or a very closely related protease activated during Fas-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cells. DSEB/RF-C140 is a multifunctional DNA-binding protein with sequence homology to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). This similarity includes a consensus DEVD/G cleavage site for caspase-3. Cleavage of DSEB/RF-C140 is predicted to occurs between Asp706 and Gly707, generating 87-kDa and 53-kDa fragments. An antiserum raised against the amino-terminal domain of DSEB/RF-C140 detects a new 87-kDa protein in Jurkat T cells in which apoptosis is activated by a monoclonal antibody to Fas. This cleavage occurs shortly after PARP cleavage. In vitro translated DSEB/RF-C140 is specifically cleaved into the predicted fragments when incubated with a cytoplasmic extract from Fas antibody-treated cells. Proteolytic cleavage was prevented by substituting Asp706 by an alanine in the DEVD706/G caspase-3 cleavage site. The cleavage of DSEB/RF-C140 is prevented by iodoacetamide and the specific caspase-3 inhibitor, tetrapeptide aldehyde Ac-DEVD-CHO, but not by the specific ICE (interleukin-1-converting enzyme) inhibitors: CrmA and Ac-YVAD-CHO, indicating that the protease responsible for the cleavage of DSEB/RF-C140 during Fas-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells is caspase-3, or a closely related protease. This conclusion is reinforced by the fact that recombinant caspase-3 but not caspase-1 reproduced the "in vivo" cleavage. Inasmuch as the cleavage of DSEB/RF-C140 separates its DNA binding from its association domain, required for replication complex formation, we propose that such a cleavage will impair DNA replication. Recent in vitro mutagenesis support this proposal (Uhlmann, F., Cai, J., Gibbs, E., O'Donnel, M., and Hurwitz, J. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 10058-10064).

Isolation and characterization of the cDNA encoding bovine poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase

The synthesis and rapid turnover of ADP-ribose polymers is an immediate cellular response to DNA damage. We report here the isolation and characterization of cDNA encoding poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), the enzyme responsible for polymer turnover. PARG was isolated from bovine thymus, yielding a protein of approximately 59 kDa. Based on the sequence of oligopeptides derived from the enzyme, polymerase chain reaction products and partial cDNA clones were isolated and used to construct a putative full-length cDNA. The cDNA of approximately 4.1 kilobase pairs predicted expression of a protein of approximately 111 kDa, nearly twice the size of the isolated protein. A single transcript of approximately 4. 3 kilobase pairs was detected in bovine kidney poly(A)+ RNA, consistent with expression of a protein of 111 kDa. Expression of the cDNA in Escherichia coli resulted in an enzymatically active protein of 111 kDa and an active fragment of 59 kDa. Analysis of restriction endonuclease fragments from bovine DNA by Southern hybridization indicated that PARG is encoded by a single copy gene. Taken together, the results indicate that previous reports of multiple PARGs can be explained by proteolysis of an 111-kDa enzyme. The deduced amino acid sequence of the bovine PARG shares little or no homology with other known proteins. However, it contains a putative bipartite nuclear location signal as would be predicted for a nuclear protein. The availability of cDNA clones for PARG should facilitate structure-function studies of the enzyme and its involvement in cellular responses to genomic damage.

Detection of DNA breaks in apoptotic cells utilizing the DNA binding domain of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase with fluorescence microscopy

The DNA binding domain (DBD) of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) has proved to be a novel, highly sensitive probe for detecting DNA breaks in intact cells undergoing apoptosis. A recombinant peptide spanning the DNA binding domain of PARP was expressed, purified and used to detect DNA strand breaks in fixed cells. Fluorescence microscopy with this probe followed by detection with anti-PARP antisera initially revealed an increased binding following treatment of cells with DNA strand-breaking agents (such asN-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine) and, subsequently, using biotinylated PARP DBD, during the later stages of apoptosis in several cell systems, when internucleosomal strand breaks became evident. This procedure was found to be at least as sensitive and required fewer steps to detect DNA strand breaks than those utilizing Klenow incorporation of biotinylated nucleotides.

A conserved domain of the large subunit of replication factor C binds PCNA and acts like a dominant negative inhibitor of DNA replication in mammalian cells

Replication factor C (RF-C), a complex of five polypeptides, is essential for cell-free SV40 origin-dependent DNA replication and viability in yeast. The cDNA encoding the large subunit of human RF-C (RF-Cp145) was cloned in a Southwestern screen. Using deletion mutants of RF-Cp145 we have mapped the DNA binding domain of RF-Cp145 to amino acid residues 369-480. This domain is conserved among both prokaryotic DNA ligases and eukaryotic poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases and is absent in other subunits of RF-C. The PCNA binding domain maps to amino acid residues 481-728 and is conserved in all five subunits of RF-C. The PCNA binding domain of RF-Cp145 inhibits several functions of RF-C, such as: (i) in vitro DNA replication of SV40 origin-containing DNA; (ii) RF-C-dependent loading of PCNA onto DNA; and (iii) RF-C-dependent DNA elongation. The PCNA binding domain of RF-Cp145 localizes to the nucleus and inhibits DNA synthesis in transfected mammalian cells. In contrast, the DNA binding domain of RF-Cp145 does not inhibit DNA synthesis in vitro or in vivo. We therefore conclude that amino acid residues 481-728 of human RF-Cp145 are critical and act as a dominant negative mutant of RF-C function in DNA replication in vivo.

Efficient retroviral infection of mammalian cells is blocked by inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity

Integration of proviral DNA into the host cell genome is a characteristic feature of the retroviral life cycle. This process involves coordinate DNA strand break formation and rejoining reactions. The full details of the integration process are not yet fully understood. However, the endonuclease and DNA strand-joining activities of the virus-encoded integrase protein (IN) are thought to act in concert with other, as-yet-unidentified, endogenous nuclear components which are involved in the DNA repair process. The nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which is dependent on DNA strand breaks for its activity, is involved in the efficient repair of DNA strand breaks, and maintenance of genomic integrity, in nucleated eukaryotic cells. In the present work, we examine the possible involvement of PARP in the retroviral life cycle and demonstrate that inhibition of PARP activity, by any one of three independent mechanisms, blocks the infection of mammalian cells by recombinant retroviral vectors. This requirement for PARP activity appears to be restricted to processes involved in the integration of provirus into the host cell DNA. PARP inhibition does not affect viral entry into the host cell, reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome, postintegration synthesis of viral gene products, synthesis of the viral RNA genome, or the generation of infective virions. Therefore, efficient retroviral infection of mammalian cells is blocked by inhibition or PARP activity.

Differential expression of ornithine decarboxylase, poly(ADP)ribose polymerase, and mitochondrial mRNAs following testosterone administration to hypophysectomized rats

The mRNAs of the nuclear encoded genes, ornithine decarboxylase (ODCase) and poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PADPRP), and the mitochondrial encoded genes, cytochrome oxidase I and II (COI and COII) and ATPase 6, are differentially expressed during spermatogenesis (Alcivar et al., 1989: Biol Reprod 41:1133; 1989: Dev Biol 135:263; 1991: Biol Reprod 46:201). In this study, we use Northern blotting to examine the steady state levels of ODCase, PADPRP, COI, COII, and ATPase 6 mRNAs in testes of hypophysectomized male rats following testosterone administration. Four weeks after hypophysectomy, rats received 24 cm subcutaneous implants of testosterone-filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) and were killed at 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days thereafter. After hypophysectomy, the steady state levels for the PADPRP, COI, COII, and ATPase 6 mRNAs were not significantly different from controls, although hypophysectomy caused a 44% loss of preleptotene spermatocytes and an 88% loss of pachytene spermatocytes, the testicular cell types expressing the highest levels of these mRNAs. In contrast, the levels of the two ODCase mRNAs were greatly decreased after hypophysectomy and mirrored the number of germinal cells present in the testis. After testosterone treatment, ODCase mRNA levels remained low 3 days after treatment and gradually increased at days 14, 28, and 56. No major hybridization signal changes in PADPRP, COI, COII, and ATPase mRNA were observed after testosterone treatment. We conclude that the steady state mRNA levels for the housekeeping ODCase gene respond differently after hypophysectomy and testosterone treatment of male rats than the PADPRP and mitochondrial DNA transcripts.

trans-dominant inhibition of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation sensitizes cells against gamma-irradiation and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine but does not limit DNA replication of a polyomavirus replicon

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is a posttranslational modification of nuclear proteins catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP; EC 2.4.2.30), with NAD+ serving as the substrate. PARP is strongly activated upon recognition of DNA strand breaks by its DNA-binding domain. Experiments with low-molecular-weight inhibitors of PARP have led to the view that PARP activity plays a role in DNA repair and possibly also in DNA replication, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Accumulating evidence for nonspecific inhibitor effects prompted us to develop a molecular genetic system to inhibit PARP in living cells, i.e., to overexpress selectively the DNA-binding domain of PARP as a dominant negative mutant. Here we report on a cell culture system which allows inducible, high-level expression of the DNA-binding domain. Induction of this domain leads to about 90% reduction of poly(ADP-ribose) accumulation after gamma-irradiation and sensitizes cells to the cytotoxic effect of gamma-irradiation and of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. In contrast, induction does not affect normal cellular proliferation or the replication of a transfected polyomavirus replicon. Thus, trans-dominant inhibition of the poly(ADP-ribose) accumulation occurring after gamma-irradiation or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine is specifically associated with a disturbance of the cellular recovery from the inflicted damage.

Mitochondrial DNA rearrangements: intracellular information system

The extent of mtDNA rearrangements has been analyzed in nDNA preparations of rat and human with a statistically representative group of oligonucleotides directed to two regions of mtDNA: genes for cytochrome oxidase subunits I and III. Human PCR preparations generated with oligonucleotides directed 'normally' showed the expected fragment for mtDNA and the presence of a plethora of fragments with rearrangements (deletions and insertions), in contrast to rat PCR preparations under the same reaction conditions in which these kinds of rearranged fragments were rarely observed. Both human and rat PCR preparations generated with oligonucleotides directed 'inversely' showed numerous fragments, some of which showed differences in copy number correlating with distinct phases during development/aging. Sequence analysis of some normal and rearranged fragments demonstrated in all cases DNA sequences 99% homologous with other mtDNA sequences at rearranged fragments. No evidence of nuclear DNA sequences was found. The following scheme is proposed for mtDNA rearrangements during the lifetime of an organism: variation in copy number of some fragments with inversions of mtDNA depends on the specific developmental/aging period; in old cells there is an increase in higher molecular weight mtDNA deletions. These findings strongly suggest that the mtDNA rearrangements play a role as an intracellular 'information system'.

Role of glutamic acid 988 of human poly-ADP-ribose polymerase in polymer formation. Evidence for active site similarities to the ADP-ribosylating toxins

Sequence similarities between the enzymatic region of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase and the corresponding region of mono-ADP-ribosylating bacterial toxins suggest similarities in active site structure and catalytic mechanism. Glu988 of the human polymerase aligns with the catalytic glutamic acid of the toxins, and replacement of this residue with Gln, Asp, or Ala caused major reductions in synthesis of enzyme-linked poly-ADP-ribose. Replacement of any of 3 other nearby Glu residues had little effect. The Glu988 mutations produced similar changes in activity in the carboxyl-terminal 40-kDa catalytic fragment fused to maltose-binding protein: E988Q and E988A reduced polymer elongation > 2000-fold, and E988D approximately 20-fold. Smaller changes were seen in chain initiation. The mutations had little effect on the Km of NAD, indicating a predominantly catalytic function for Glu988. The results support the concept of similar active sites of the polymerase and the ADP-ribosylating toxins. Glu988 may function in polymer elongation similarly to the toxins' active site glutamate, as a general base to activate the attacking nucleophile (in the case of the polymerase, the 2'-OH of the terminal adenosine group of a nascent poly-ADP-ribose chain).

Cloning and expression of the mouse laminin gamma 2 (B2t) chain, a subunit of epithelial cell laminin

We have isolated and sequenced the full-length cDNA for the mouse laminin gamma 2 chain and mapped it to mouse Chromosome 1 proximal to laminin gamma 1. The mRNA for the mouse gamma 2 spans 5.2 kb and codes for a 1192-residue amino acid polypeptide. The gamma 2 chain (formerly termed laminin B2t), a homologue of gamma 1 (formerly B2), lacks an N-terminal domain and has a shorter domain III in comparison to the laminin gamma 1 chain. The expression of the laminin gamma 2 and gamma 1 chains in both newborn and fetal mice was examined by both Northern analysis and in situ hybridization. mRNA for the laminin gamma 2 chain was expressed specifically by epithelial cells in many tissues with a particularly high level of expression in the tongue, hair follicles, lung and kidney. In contrast, a high level of expression of the laminin gamma 1 chain mRNA was seen in both epithelial and endothelial cells in these tissues. In addition, gamma 1 mRNA was expressed in other tissues such as the nasal septum, blood vessels, and the muscle of the tongue. Immunohistochemistry with an anti-gamma 2 IgG detected strong expression of the laminin gamma 2 chain in the basement membrane of the collecting tubules of the kidney and of the pancreas. Immunoprecipitation studies with antibodies to the gamma 2 chain detected three species at 165, 155 and 140 kDa in HT-1080 cell-conditioned media. This protein complex is characteristic of the kalinin (nicein/epiligrin) complex, and provides further evidence that these proteins are identical and that the gamma 2 chain is the subunit of the epithelial-cell-specific laminin.

Requirement for the expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase during the early stages of differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, as studied by antisense RNA induction

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PADPRP) is biologically significant in the rejoining of DNA strand breaks. Post confluent cultures of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes showed marked increases in PADPRP protein and activity when the cells were induced to differentiate into adipocytes. When this increase in PADPRP expression was prevented in stably transfected 3T3-L1 cells by induction of PADPRP antisense RNA synthesis, the cells did not differentiate nor undergo the two or three rounds of DNA replication that are required for initiation of the differentiation process. 3T3-L1 cells expressing PADPRP antisense RNA under differentiation conditions were easily detached from plates and in some cases eventually died. When newly expressed PADPRP protein and DNA synthesis was assessed in cells at zero time or at 24 h after induction of differentiation by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine or [3H]thymidine into DNA, significant incorporation was shown to occur in control cells after 24 h, but not in antisense cells. Furthermore, during the first 24 h, the co-immunoprecipitation of PADPRP and DNA polymerase alpha was observed in control cells, whereas no such complex formation was noted in the induced antisense cells, nor in uninduced control cells.

ADP-ribosylation reactions in plants

Poly ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification of protein structure and function that occurs in the nucleus of most eukaryotic cells. Although its function has not been fully elucidated it is thought to have a role in the processing DNA strand breaks. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, a highly conserved enzyme, is well studied in animal cell systems but is less well characterised in plants. Our present understanding of mono and poly ADP-ribosylation reactions in plants is reviewed in this article.

Analysis of biological function of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in Drosophila melanogaster

To understand the biological function of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of proteins, we have isolated and characterized the gene for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase from Drosophila melanogaster. Two approaches were taken to analyze the function of the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction. The first is analysis of the homology of the amino acid sequences of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase from phylogenetically different eukaryotes, namely human, mouse, bovine, chicken, Xenopus laevis and Drosophila melanogaster and elucidation of the conserved amino acid sequences that appear to be important for the function of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Analysis of the recombinant poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase which had truncated or mutated motifs expressed in E coli would confirm the importance of the conserved amino acid sequence. The interaction of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase with other proteins involved in DNA repair, replication, recombination and transcription will clarify the function of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. The second approach is to get the mutants which have disruption in the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase gene and to analyse the phenotypes of these mutants. The characterization of these mutants will be discussed.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase: structural conservation among different classes of animals and its implications

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cDNAs have been isolated from different classes of animals. Cloning of genes from lower eukaryotes has allowed us to investigate directly the biological functions of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in vivo. The conservation of specific regions among mammals, chicken, Xenopus laevis, and Drosophila melanogaster reveals the essential structural elements required for recognition of breaks in DNA and for catalytic activity. Cys, His and basic residues in the zinc-finger consensus region are conserved. The carboxyl terminal region corresponding to an NAD-binding domain is strongly conserved. The dinucleotide-binding consensus sequence and beta 1-alpha A-beta 2, Rossmann fold structure, and beta-sheet structures are completely conserved from mammals to insect. In Drosophila, a putative leucine-zipper motif has been identified, and other poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases also contain an alpha-helical, amphipathic structure in the auto-modification domain. In this article, we review the recent structural analyses of the functional domains of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in phylogenetically divergent species, and discuss the implications of structural conservation for its biological functions.

Structure and function of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) participates in the intricate network of systems developed by the eukaryotic cell to cope with the numerous environmental and endogenous genetoxic agents. Cloning of the PARP gene has allowed the development of genetic and molecular approaches to elucidate the structure and the function of this abundant and highly conserved enzyme. This article summarizes our present knowledge in this field.

Functional expression of human poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe results in mitotic delay at G1, increased mutation rate, and sensitization to radiation

The activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PADPRP), a chromatin-associated enzyme present in most eukaryotic cells, is stimulated by DNA strand breaks, suggesting a role for the enzyme in the cellular response to DNA damage. However, the primary function of PADPRP remains unknown. We have selected Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a simple eukaryotic system in which to study PADPRP function because this fission yeast shares with mammalian cells important cellular features possibly associated with poly-(ADP-ribos)ylation pathways. We investigated the existence of an endogenous yeast PADPRP by DNA and RNA hybridization to mammalian probes under low-stringency conditions and by PADPRP activity assays. Our data indicate that fission yeasts are naturally devoid of PADPRP. We therefore isolated S. pombe strains expressing PADPRP by transformation with a human full-length PADPRP cDNA under the control of the SV40 early promoter. The human PADPRP construct was transcribed and translated in S. pombe, generating a major transcript of the same size (3.7 kb) as that detected in mammalian cells and a 113-kDa polypeptide, identical in size to the native human PADPRP protein. Yeast recombinant PADPRP was enzymatically active and was recognized by antibodies to human PADPRP. S. pombe cells expressing PADPRP (SPT strains) showed a stable phenotype that was characterized by: (i) cell cycle retardation as a result of a specific delay at the G1 phase, (ii) decreased cell viability in stationary cultures, (iii) enhanced rates of spontaneous and radiation-induced ade6-ade7 mutations, and (iv) increased sensitivity to radiation. SPT strains may prove efficient tools with which to investigate PADPRP functions in eukaryotic cells.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase: a molecular nick-sensor

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) participates in the intricate network of systems developed by the eukaryotic cell to cope with the numerous environmental and endogenous genotoxic agents. Cloning of the PARP gene has allowed the development of genetic and molecular approaches to elucidate the structure and function of this abundant and highly conserved enzyme.

Cloning and functional expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cDNA from Sarcophaga peregrina

A cDNA spanning the entire coding region for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) of Sarcophaga peregrina was isolated and the nucleotide sequence was determined. The longest open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 996 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 113,033 Da. The similarities to the human PARP in amino acid sequence were relatively low in the DNA-binding and auto-modification domains, but very high in the C-terminal catalytic domain: identity of amino acids is 34% in the N-terminal DNA-binding domain (residues 1-369), 27% in the auto-modification domain (residues 370-507), and 56% in the C-terminal NAD-binding domain (residues 508-996). Two zinc-fingers (C-X2-C-X28-H-X2-C and C-X2-C-X31-H-X2-C)2 and a basic region in the N-terminal DNA-binding domain recognized in other PARP are conserved. Downstream of the basic region, another cysteine-rich motif (C-X2-C-X13-C-X9-C), a putative zinc-finger, was found to be well conserved in the PARP of Sarcophaga, Drosophila and human. A leucine-zipper motif (L-X6-L-X6-L-X6-L) which was found in the auto-modification domain of Drosophila PARP, is disrupted in the Sarcophaga enzyme: the second leucine is replaced by proline, and the third leucine by valine. Full-length cDNA for Sarcophaga PARP was cloned into an expression plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. A lysate of E. coli cells containing expressed protein reacted with antibody against Sarcophaga PARP, and PARP activity was detected. Thus, we conclude that isolated cDNA encodes a functional Sarcophaga PARP cDNA.

Isolation of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-encoding cDNA from Xenopus laevis: phylogenetic conservation of the functional domains

The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of the Xenopus laevis poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-encoding cDNA was determined. The putative X. laevis PARP protein consists of 1008 amino acids (aa) with a molecular weight of 113 kDa. X. laevis PARP shares 74, 83, 73, 78 and 42% aa sequence homology with the human, bovine, mouse, chicken and Drosophila melanogaster PARPs, respectively. Comparison of the PARP aa sequences among these species showed conservation of two zinc-finger motifs in the DNA-binding domain, and an NAD-binding motif and a Rossmann fold in the catalytic domain. The first Leu of the putative leucine zipper of D. melanogaster PARP is substituted to Lys in X. laevis PARP. All the Glu residues in the leucine zipper are conserved in these six species.

Genetic mapping of tumor susceptibility genes involved in mouse plasmacytomagenesis

Plasmacytomas (PCTs) were induced in 47% of BALB/cAnPt mice by the intraperitoneal injection of pristane, in 2% of (BALB/c x DBA/2N)F1, and in 11% of 773 BALB/cAnPt x (BALB/cAnPt x DBA/2N)F1 N2 backcross mice. This result indicates a multigenic mode of inheritance for PCT susceptibility. To locate genes controlling this complex genetic trait, tumor susceptibility in backcross progeny generated from BALB/c and DBA/2N (resistant) mice was correlated with alleles of 83 marker loci. The genotypes of the PCT-susceptible progeny displayed an excess homozygosity for BALB/c alleles within a 32-centimorgan stretch of mouse chromosome 4 (> 95% probability of linkage) with minimal recombination (12%) near Gt10. Another susceptibility gene on mouse chromosome 1 may be linked to Fcgr2 (90% probability of linkage); there were excess heterozygotes for Fcgr2 among the susceptible progeny and excess homozygotes among the resistant progeny. Regions of mouse chromosomes 4 and 1 that are correlated with PCT susceptibility share extensive linkage homology with regions of human chromosome 1 that have been associated with cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma and lymphoid, breast, and endocrine tumors.

The US-1 element from the gene encoding rat poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase binds the transcription factor Sp1

By comparing the upstream DNA sequence of the rat and human genes encoding poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), we have defined a 16-bp conserved region and designated it as US-1 for 'upstream sequence 1'. This element is homologous to the recently described binding site for the transcription factor Sp1 in the promoter sequence of the mouse p12 gene which encodes a protease inhibitor. Analyses in gel mobility shift assays revealed that a nuclear protein, produced by all tissue-culture cells tested, specifically binds the US-1 element. The pattern of shifted DNA protein complexes obtained was strikingly similar to that for Sp1, which is supported by the positive displacement of these complexes by an oligomer containing the Sp1 binding site in gel shift competition experiments. Replacement of the Sp1 binding site from the basal promoter of the mouse p12 gene by the rPARP US-1 element did not result in any significant variations in the level of expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene upon transient transfection of tissue-culture cells. However, when point mutations are introduced in the US-1 element in a similar substitution experiment, a significant reduction in CAT gene expression could be observed. These data are consistent with Sp1 interacting with the US1 element. Results from DNase I footprinting experiments clearly indicated that purified Sp1 not only binds to the US-1 element but also to four other closely located cis-acting sites scattered in the promoter of the rat PARP gene, therefore suggesting that Sp1 is likely to modulate strongly the expression of that gene in different tissues.

Differential expression and stability of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase mRNA in human cells

The regulation of the expression of the poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase gene was studied in HeLa cells and in quiescent and mitogen-stimulated human lymphocytes by quantitating the mRNA molecules with a new technique based on the polymerase chain reaction. Using plasmid constructs containing defined sequences of the poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase cDNA as internal standards in a competitive PCR reaction, precise measurements of reverse transcribed mRNA copies per microgram of total RNA were obtained. The value found for asynchronously growing HeLa cells (8.6 x 10(5) copies) was very close to that observed for proliferating lymphocytes (8.7 x 10(5)) whereas a 20-fold lower value (0.4 x 10(5)) was obtained for quiescent lymphocytes. The determination of the stability of the mRNA of the enzyme in G0 and stimulated lymphocytes, and in HeLa cells was performed by devising a new PCR amplification system, using non-competitive conditions and plasmid target sequences as internal standards. The half-life of mRNA for poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase was approx. 1 h in G0 lymphocytes and 4-5 h in stimulated lymphocytes and in HeLa cells. This observed difference in stability of the transcripts can partially account for the observed difference in mRNA levels between G0 and stimulated human lymphocytes.

Molecular and biochemical features of poly (ADP-ribose) metabolism

In the past five years, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation has developed greatly with the help of molecular biology and the improvement of biochemical techniques. In this article, we describe the physico-chemical properties of the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of poly(ADP-ribose), respectively poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase. We then discuss the possible roles of this polymer in DNA repair and replication as well as in cellular differentiation and transformation. Finally, we put forward various hypotheses in order to better define the function of this polymer found only in eucaryotes.

Cloning of cDNA encoding Drosophila poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase: leucine zipper in the auto-modification domain

We have isolated cDNA clones for a Drosophila poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP; EC 2.4.2.30) by screening a lambda gt11 cDNA library with a Drosophila partial cDNA fragment. The Drosophila PARP probe was obtained by the polymerase chain reaction with heterologous primers deduced from conserved amino acids in the mammalian, chicken, amphibian, and fish sequences. The Drosophila PARP mRNA is 3.2 kb in length and is expressed in the early stages of development. The PARP protein of 994 amino acids contains two zinc-finger motifs and an NAD-binding motif, which are conserved among different species. Interestingly, the heptad leucine repeat in an alpha-helix was found in Drosophila PARP. Alignments of the auto-modification domains of various species showed the repeated hydrophobic amino acids on the same face of the helix that make the coiled-coil configuration in the mammalian and chicken sequences. The presence of a leucine-zipper motif in the auto-modification domain suggests that this motif might be responsible for protein-protein interaction between PARP and physiological acceptors. PARP may have novel functions, possibly involving its homo- and/or heterodimerization with other nuclear leucine-zipper proteins and its regulation by ADP-ribosylation.

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, DNA strand breaks, chromatin and cancer

Studies on poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation related to chromatin structure and to nuclear functions such as repair, gene expression and replication are reviewed. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation might be involved in regulating the activity of nuclear enzymes involved in the metabolism of DNA strand breaks such as ligase II and topoisomerases I and II. In addition, it modifies nuclear proteins participating in gene expression including HMG non-histones, large T antigen, acetylated histone H4 and nuclear matrix proteins. It is speculated that poly(ADP-ribose) can induce free DNA domains by removing histones from specific nucleosomes whose DNA has been damaged. This process is proposed to require specific proteins recognizing lesions on DNA that ultimately attach the damaged site on the nuclear matrix where the repair enzymes are located. The role of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in carcinogenesis arises from that inhibitors of this modification potentiate the cytotoxicity of DNA-damaging drugs used in cancer chemotherapy and either enhance or inhibit tumor growth.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity in mononuclear leukocytes of 13 mammalian species correlates with species-specific life span

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is a eukaryotic posttranslational modification of proteins that is strongly induced by the presence of DNA strand breaks and plays a role in DNA repair and the recovery of cells from DNA damage. We compared poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP; EC 2.4.2.30) activities in Percoll gradient-purified, permeabilized mononuclear leukocytes from mammalian species of different maximal life span. Saturating concentrations of a double-stranded octameric oligonucleotide were applied to provide a direct and maximal stimulation of PARP. Our results on 132 individuals from 13 different species yield a strong positive correlation between PARP activity and life span (r = 0.84; P << 0.001), with human cells displaying approximately 5 times the activity of rat cells. Intraspecies comparisons with both rat and human cells from donors of all age groups revealed some decline of PARP activity with advancing age, but it was only weakly correlated. No significant polymer degradation was detectable under our assay conditions, ruling out any interference by poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase activity. By Western blot analysis of mononuclear leukocytes from 11 species, using a crossreactive antiserum directed against the extremely well-conserved NAD-binding domain, no correlation between the amount of PARP protein and the species' life spans was found, suggesting a greater specific enzyme activity in longer-lived species. We propose that a higher poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation capacity in cells from long-lived species might contribute to the efficient maintenance of genome integrity and stability over their longer life span.

A linkage map of mouse chromosome 1 using an interspecific cross segregating for the gld autoimmunity mutation

An interspecific backcross was used to define a high resolution linkage map of mouse Chromosome (Chr) 1 and to analyze the segregation of the generalized lymphoproliferative disease (gld) mutation. Mice homozygous for gld have multiple features of autoimmune disease. Analysis of up to 428 progeny from the backcross [(C3H/HeJ-gld x Mus spretus)F1 x C3H/HeJ-gld] established a map that spans 77.6 cM and includes 56 markers distributed over 34 ordered genetic loci. The gld mutation was mapped to a less than 1 cM segment on distal mouse Chr 1 using 357 gld phenotype-positive backcross mice. A second backcross, between the laboratory strains C57BL/6J and SWR/J, was examined to compare recombination frequency between selected markers on mouse Chr 1. Significant differences in crossover frequency were demonstrated between the interspecific backcross and the inbred laboratory cross for the entire interval studied. Sex difference in meiotic crossover frequency was also significant in the laboratory mouse cross. Two linkage groups known to be conserved between segments of mouse Chr 1 and the long arm of human Chrs 1 and 2 where further defined and a new conserved linkage group was identified that includes markers of distal mouse Chr 1 and human Chr 1, bands q32 to q42.

Poly(ADPR)polymerase expression and activity during proliferation and differentiation of rat astrocyte and neuronal cultures

Poly(ADPR)polymerase (poly(ADPR)P) mRNA and enzymatic activity levels were investigated in primary cultures of rat astrocytes and neurons in the absence or presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), respectively. In cultured rat astrocytes, a biphasic increase in poly(ADPR)P mRNA, associated with enhanced nuclear poly(ADPR)P enzymatic activity, were observed. The first rise in poly(ADPR)P mRNA and enzymatic activity is at the beginning of cell proliferation and the second with the occurrence of cell differentiation. In the presence of bFGF (5 ng/ml) the mRNA peaks and the differentiation-associated poly(ADPR)P enzymatic activity undergoes a 2-fold increase. In neuronal cultures an initial high level of poly(ADPR)P mRNA is followed by a decrease while differentiation is progressively achieved. A limited increase of poly(ADPR)P activity is observed during this phase. In the presence of NGF (50 ng/ml), similar poly(ADPR)P mRNA expression and enzymatic activity patterns are observed. The results suggest that poly(ADPR)P is involved at the onset of nerve-cell proliferation and differentiation.

Structural analysis of the putative regulatory region of the rat gene encoding poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase

A lambda EMBL3 clone containing the first three exons along with part of the 4th exon of the rat poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase gene was isolated from a genomic DNA library. This clone also contains 6.6 kbp of upstream sequences. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the proximal 5' 670 nucleotides flanking the major RNA start site of the rat gene does not reveal significant global homology with the same region of the human gene, but a series of short sequences are identical. Among these sequences are found two putative Sp1 binding sites along with a decanucleotide sequence responsible for the attachment of the transcription factor AP-2.

Expression and mutagenesis of human poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase as a ubiquitin fusion protein from Escherichia coli

The cDNA of human poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (pADPRP), encoding the entire protein, was subcloned into the Escherichia coli expression plasmid pYUb. In this expression system, the carboxyl terminus of ubiquitin is fused to the amino terminus of a target protein, in this case pADPRP, stabilizing the accumulation of the cloned gene product. Following induction of the transformed cells, the sonicated extract contained a unique protein immunoreactive with both pADPRP and ubiquitin antibodies and corresponding to the predicted mobility of the fusion protein in SDS-PAGE. Fusion of ubiquitin to pADPRP increased the yield of pADPRP approximately 10-fold compared to that of the unfused enzyme. The resulting recombinant fusion protein had catalytic properties which were nearly identical to those of native pADPRP obtained from mammalian tissues. These properties included specific activity, Km for NAD, response to DNA strand breaks, response to Mg2+, inhibition by 3-aminobenzamide, and activity in activity gel analysis. An initial analysis by deletion mutagenesis of pADPRP's functional domains revealed that deletions in the NAD binding domain eliminated all activity; however, partial polymerase activity resulted from deletion in the DNA binding or automodification domains. The activities were not enhanced by breaks in DNA. We further report a colony filter screening procedure designed to identify functional polymerase molecules which will facilitate structure/function studies of the polymerase.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase: molecular biological aspects

A number of roles have been ascribed to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase* including involvement in DNA repair, cell proliferation, differentiation and transformation. Cloning of the gene has allowed the development of molecular biological approaches to elucidate the structure and the function(s) of this highly conserved enzyme. This article will review the recent results obtained in this field.

Chicken poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase: complete deduced amino acid sequence and comparison with mammalian enzyme sequences

The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of the cDNA encoding the chicken poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase has been determined. Positive clones overlapping the 5' region or the 3' region of the cDNA have been isolated from a lambda gt 10 hen oviduct cDNA library using two human cDNA probes. The missing middle portion has been obtained by the polymerase chain reaction procedure. A single 3033-nt open reading frame from start codon to stop codon encodes a sequence of 1011 amino acid residues. The alignment of this sequence with those from human and mouse reveals overall identities of 79% and 77%, respectively. However, an identity of about 82% is obtained in the DNA-binding domain within the two zinc fingers, and an even higher similarity (85-87%) is observed in the NAD-binding domain. The isolated clones consistently hybridize on chicken Northern blots to an mRNA species of about 4 kb, whereas they do not cross-hybridize with RNA blots of Drosophila melanogaster. Thus, it appears that, even if the functional properties of the enzyme are maintained, the cDNA identity will be much decreased in nonvertebrate organisms.

Striking similarity of the distribution patterns of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and DNA polymerase beta among various mouse organs

The expression level of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase mRNA as well as the level of enzymatic activity were examined in various mouse organs by northern blot and activity gel analyses. High levels of the mRNA expression and enzymatic activity were observed in testis, thymus, spleen, and brain. On the other hand, low levels of the mRNA expression and enzymatic activity were observed in liver and kidney. These findings suggest that the expression of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is mainly regulated by transcription. Striking similarity was observed between the patterns of organ distribution of enzymatic activities of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and DNA polymerase beta in various mouse organs.

Changes in activity and mRNA levels of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase during rat liver regeneration

ADP-ribosylation of nuclear proteins, catalysed by the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, is involved in the regulation of different cellular processes of DNA metabolism. To further clarify the role of the enzyme during proliferating activity of mammalian cells, we have studied the control of gene expression in regenerating rat liver. The changes in activity and mRNA levels were analysed during the early and late phases of the compensatory model. When enzyme activity was measured in isolated liver nuclei obtained at different times after hepatectomy, two different phases were observed: an early wave occurring before the onset of DNA synthesis, and a second one, starting several hours after the onset of DNA synthesis and returning to control values at later times. The evaluation of the enzymatic level in nuclear extracts and by activity gel analysis showed a more gradual increase starting 1 day after hepatectomy, in concomitance with the peak of DNA synthesis. By using a specific murine cDNA probe, a significant enhancement of mRNA levels for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase was observed during liver regeneration, slightly preceding the onset of DNA synthesis. The results obtained show that changes in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity, during liver regeneration, are associated both to early events preceding the increase in DNA synthesis and to later phases of the cell proliferation process.