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Otarbayev D, Myung K. Exploring factors influencing choice of DNA double-strand break repair pathways. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 140:103696. [PMID: 38820807 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) represent one of the most severe threats to genomic integrity, demanding intricate repair mechanisms within eukaryotic cells. A diverse array of factors orchestrates the complex choreography of DSB signaling and repair, encompassing repair pathways, such as non-homologous end-joining, homologous recombination, and polymerase-θ-mediated end-joining. This review looks into the intricate decision-making processes guiding eukaryotic cells towards a particular repair pathway, particularly emphasizing the processing of two-ended DSBs. Furthermore, we elucidate the transformative role of Cas9, a site-specific endonuclease, in revolutionizing our comprehension of DNA DSB repair dynamics. Additionally, we explore the burgeoning potential of Cas9's remarkable ability to induce sequence-specific DSBs, offering a promising avenue for precise targeting of tumor cells. Through this comprehensive exploration, we unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms of cellular responses to DSBs, shedding light on both fundamental repair processes and cutting-edge therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyar Otarbayev
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science, Ulsan 44919, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
| | - Kyungjae Myung
- Center for Genomic Integrity, Institute for Basic Science, Ulsan 44919, South Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, South Korea.
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2
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Zhang C, Liu J, Wu J, Ranjan K, Cui X, Wang X, Zhang D, Zhu S. Key molecular DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1422520. [PMID: 39050891 PMCID: PMC11266142 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1422520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation has increased remarkably over the recent years although some notable signaling events remain to be discovered. Here we provide a brief account of the key molecular events of the responses to reflect the current understanding of the key underlying mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chencheng Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
- Cancer Research Institute, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Cancer Research Center, Nantong, China
| | - Jibin Liu
- Cancer Research Center, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
- Cancer Research Institute, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Cancer Research Center, Nantong, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Kamakshi Ranjan
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xiaopeng Cui
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xingdan Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Nantong Tumor Hospital, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dianzheng Zhang
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shudong Zhu
- Cancer Research Center, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
- Cancer Research Institute, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Cancer Research Center, Nantong, China
- Argus Pharmaceuticals, Changsha, China
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3
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Vogt A, He Y, Lees-Miller SP. How to fix DNA breaks: new insights into the mechanism of non-homologous end joining. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1789-1800. [PMID: 37787023 PMCID: PMC10657183 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major pathway for the repair of ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in human cells and is essential for the generation of mature T and B cells in the adaptive immune system via the process of V(D)J recombination. Here, we review how recently determined structures shed light on how NHEJ complexes function at DNA DSBs, emphasizing how multiple structures containing the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) may function in NHEJ. Together, these studies provide an explanation for how NHEJ proteins assemble to detect and protect DSB ends, then proceed, through DNA-PKcs-dependent autophosphorylation, to a ligation-competent complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Vogt
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
| | - Yuan He
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Northwestern University, Chicago, U.S.A
| | - Susan P. Lees-Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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4
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Vogt A, He Y. Structure and mechanism in non-homologous end joining. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 130:103547. [PMID: 37556875 PMCID: PMC10528545 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) are a particularly challenging form of DNA damage to repair because the damaged DNA must not only undergo the chemical reactions responsible for returning it to its original state, but, additionally, the two free ends can become physically separated in the nucleus and must be bridged prior to repair. In nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), one of the major pathways of DSB repair, repair is carried out by a number of repair factors capable of binding to and directly joining DNA ends. It has been unclear how these processes are carried out at a molecular level, owing in part to the lack of structural evidence describing the coordination of the NHEJ factors with each other and a DNA substrate. Advances in cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), allowing for the structural characterization of large protein complexes that would be intractable using other techniques, have led to the visualization several key steps of the NHEJ process, which support a model of sequential assembly of repair factors at the DSB, followed by end-bridging mediated by protein-protein complexes and transition to full synapsis. Here we examine the structural evidence for these models, devoting particular attention to recent work identifying a new NHEJ intermediate state and incorporating new NHEJ factors into the general mechanism. We also discuss the evolving understanding of end-bridging mechanisms in NHEJ and DNA-PKcs's role in mediating DSB repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Vogt
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA
| | - Yuan He
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
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5
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Watanabe G, Lieber MR. The flexible and iterative steps within the NHEJ pathway. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 180-181:105-119. [PMID: 37150451 PMCID: PMC10205690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cellular and biochemical studies of nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) have long established that nuclease and polymerase action are necessary for the repair of a very large fraction of naturally-arising double-strand breaks (DSBs). This conclusion is derived from NHEJ studies ranging from yeast to humans and all genetically-tractable model organisms. Biochemical models derived from recent real-time and structural studies have yet to incorporate physical space or timing for DNA end processing. In real-time single molecule FRET (smFRET) studies, we analyzed NHEJ synapsis of DNA ends in a defined biochemical system. We described a Flexible Synapsis (FS) state in which the DNA ends were in proximity via only Ku and XRCC4:DNA ligase 4 (X4L4), and in an orientation that would not yet permit ligation until base pairing between one or more nucleotides of microhomology (MH) occurred, thereby allowing an in-line Close Synapsis (CS) state. If no MH was achievable, then XLF was critical for ligation. Neither FS or CS required DNA-PKcs, unless Artemis activation was necessary to permit local resection and subsequent base pairing between the two DNA ends being joined. Here we conjecture on possible 3D configurations for this FS state, which would spatially accommodate the nuclease and polymerase processing steps in an iterative manner. The FS model permits repeated attempts at ligation of at least one strand at the DSB after each round of nuclease or polymerase action. In addition to activation of Artemis, other possible roles for DNA-PKcs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go Watanabe
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, and Section of Molecular & Computational Biology (Department of Biological Sciences), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9176, USA
| | - Michael R Lieber
- Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry, Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, and Section of Molecular & Computational Biology (Department of Biological Sciences), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9176, USA.
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Lieber MR. Pol X DNA polymerases contribute to NHEJ flexibility. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:5-8. [PMID: 36587186 PMCID: PMC9940989 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00904-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
New work on DNA polymerase λ highlights its remarkable flexibility. This fits with the generally adaptable nature of the DNA-repair process in which this enzyme is involved — nonhomologous end-joining — which allows this mechanism to handle diverse types of broken DNA ends in order to restore the duplex structure, albeit with a loss of information at the join.
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7
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Liu D, Lieber MR. The mechanisms of human lymphoid chromosomal translocations and their medical relevance. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 57:227-243. [PMID: 34875186 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.2004576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The most common human lymphoid chromosomal translocations involve concurrent failures of the recombination activating gene (RAG) complex and Activation-Induced Deaminase (AID). These are two enzymes that are normally expressed for purposes of the two site-specific DNA recombination processes: V(D)J recombination and class switch recombination (CSR). First, though it is rare, a low level of expression of AID can introduce long-lived T:G mismatch lesions at 20-600 bp fragile zones. Second, the V(D)J recombination process can occasionally fail to rejoin coding ends, and this failure may permit an opportunity for Artemis:DNA-dependent kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to convert the T:G mismatch sites at the fragile zones into double-strand breaks. The 20-600 bp fragile zones must be, at least transiently, in a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) state for the first step to occur, because AID only acts on ssDNA. Here we discuss the key DNA sequence features that lead to AID action at a fragile zone, which are (a) the proximity and density of strings of cytosine nucleotides (C-strings) that cause a B/A-intermediate DNA conformation; (b) overlapping AID hotspots that contain a methyl CpG (WRCG), which AID converts to a long-lived T:G mismatch; and (c) transcription, which, though not essential, favors increased ssDNA in the fragile zone. We also summarize chromosomal features of the focal fragile zones in lymphoid malignancies and discuss the clinical relevance of understanding the translocation mechanisms. Many of the key principles covered here are also relevant to chromosomal translocations in non-lymphoid somatic cells as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Section of Computational Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Lieber
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Section of Computational Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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8
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Kong M, Greene EC. Mechanistic Insights From Single-Molecule Studies of Repair of Double Strand Breaks. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:745311. [PMID: 34869333 PMCID: PMC8636147 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.745311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are among some of the most deleterious forms of DNA damage. Left unrepaired, they are detrimental to genome stability, leading to high risk of cancer. Two major mechanisms are responsible for the repair of DSBs, homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). The complex nature of both pathways, involving a myriad of protein factors functioning in a highly coordinated manner at distinct stages of repair, lend themselves to detailed mechanistic studies using the latest single-molecule techniques. In avoiding ensemble averaging effects inherent to traditional biochemical or genetic methods, single-molecule studies have painted an increasingly detailed picture for every step of the DSB repair processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric C. Greene
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Mechanism of genome instability mediated by human DNA polymerase mu misincorporation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3759. [PMID: 34145298 PMCID: PMC8213813 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pol μ is capable of performing gap-filling repair synthesis in the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. Together with DNA ligase, misincorporation of dGTP opposite the templating T by Pol μ results in a promutagenic T:G mispair, leading to genomic instability. Here, crystal structures and kinetics of Pol μ substituting dGTP for dATP on gapped DNA substrates containing templating T were determined and compared. Pol μ is highly mutagenic on a 2-nt gapped DNA substrate, with T:dGTP base pairing at the 3' end of the gap. Two residues (Lys438 and Gln441) interact with T:dGTP and fine tune the active site microenvironments. The in-crystal misincorporation reaction of Pol μ revealed an unexpected second dGTP in the active site, suggesting its potential mutagenic role among human X family polymerases in NHEJ.
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10
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Ghosh D, Raghavan SC. 20 years of DNA Polymerase μ, the polymerase that still surprises. FEBS J 2021; 288:7230-7242. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dipayan Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry Indian Institute of Science Bangalore India
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11
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Manjunath M, Choudhary B, Raghavan SC. SCR7, a potent cancer therapeutic agent and a biochemical inhibitor of nonhomologous DNA end-joining. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 4:e1341. [PMID: 33496064 PMCID: PMC8222562 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) are harmful to the cell as it could lead to genomic instability and cell death when left unrepaired. Homologous recombination and nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ) are two major DSB repair pathways, responsible for ensuring genome integrity in mammals. There have been multiple efforts using small molecule inhibitors to target these DNA repair pathways in cancers. SCR7 is a very well‐studied anticancer molecule that blocks NHEJ by targeting one of the critical enzymes, Ligase IV. Recent findings In this review, we have highlighted the anticancer effects of SCR7 as a single agent and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. SCR7 blocked NHEJ effectively both in vitro and ex vivo. SCR7 has been used for biochemical studies like chromosomal territory resetting and in understanding the role of repair proteins in cell cycle phases. Various forms of SCR7 and its derivatives are discussed. SCR7 is also used as a potent biochemical inhibitor of NHEJ, which has found its application in improving genome editing using a CRISPR‐Cas system. Conclusion SCR7 is a potent NHEJ inhibitor with unique properties and wide applications as an anticancer agent. Most importantly, SCR7 has become a handy aid for improving genome editing across different model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Manjunath
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Bibha Choudhary
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India
| | - Sathees C Raghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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12
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Structural insights into the role of DNA-PK as a master regulator in NHEJ. GENOME INSTABILITY & DISEASE 2021; 2:195-210. [PMID: 34723130 PMCID: PMC8549938 DOI: 10.1007/s42764-021-00047-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit DNA-PKcs/PRKDC is the largest serine/threonine protein kinase of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase-like protein kinase (PIKK) family and is the most highly expressed PIKK in human cells. With its DNA-binding partner Ku70/80, DNA-PKcs is required for regulated and efficient repair of ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks via the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. Loss of DNA-PKcs or other NHEJ factors leads to radiation sensitivity and unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), as well as defects in V(D)J recombination and immune defects. In this review, we highlight the contributions of the late Dr. Carl W. Anderson to the discovery and early characterization of DNA-PK. We furthermore build upon his foundational work to provide recent insights into the structure of NHEJ synaptic complexes, an evolutionarily conserved and functionally important YRPD motif, and the role of DNA-PKcs and its phosphorylation in NHEJ. The combined results identify DNA-PKcs as a master regulator that is activated by its detection of two double-strand DNA ends for a cascade of phosphorylation events that provide specificity and efficiency in assembling the synaptic complex for NHEJ.
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13
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Zhao B, Naila T, Lieber MR, Tomkinson AE. NAD+ is not utilized as a co-factor for DNA ligation by human DNA ligase IV. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12746-12750. [PMID: 33264406 PMCID: PMC7736778 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As nucleotidyl transferases, formation of a covalent enzyme-adenylate intermediate is a common first step of all DNA ligases. While it has been shown that eukaryotic DNA ligases utilize ATP as the adenylation donor, it was recently reported that human DNA ligase IV can also utilize NAD+ and, to a lesser extent ADP-ribose, as the source of the adenylate group and that NAD+, unlike ATP, enhances ligation by supporting multiple catalytic cycles. Since this unexpected finding has significant implications for our understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of DNA double strand break repair, we attempted to confirm that NAD+ and ADP-ribose can be used as co-factors by human DNA ligase IV. Here, we provide evidence that NAD+ does not enhance ligation by pre-adenylated DNA ligase IV, indicating that this co-factor is not utilized for re-adenylation and subsequent cycles of ligation. Moreover, we find that ligation by de-adenylated DNA ligase IV is dependent upon ATP not NAD+ or ADP-ribose. Thus, we conclude that human DNA ligase IV cannot use either NAD+ or ADP-ribose as adenylation donor for ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Section of Computational and Molecular Biology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Rm. 5428, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Tasmin Naila
- Department of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, 915 Camino de Salud, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Michael R Lieber
- Department of Pathology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and Section of Computational and Molecular Biology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Rm. 5428, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Alan E Tomkinson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, 915 Camino de Salud, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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14
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The molecular basis and disease relevance of non-homologous DNA end joining. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:765-781. [PMID: 33077885 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-00297-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant repair mechanism of any type of DNA double-strand break (DSB) during most of the cell cycle and is essential for the development of antigen receptors. Defects in NHEJ result in sensitivity to ionizing radiation and loss of lymphocytes. The most critical step of NHEJ is synapsis, or the juxtaposition of the two DNA ends of a DSB, because all subsequent steps rely on it. Recent findings show that, like the end processing step, synapsis can be achieved through several mechanisms. In this Review, we first discuss repair pathway choice between NHEJ and other DSB repair pathways. We then integrate recent insights into the mechanisms of NHEJ synapsis with updates on other steps of NHEJ, such as DNA end processing and ligation. Finally, we discuss NHEJ-related human diseases, including inherited disorders and neoplasia, which arise from rare failures at different NHEJ steps.
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15
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Kaminski AM, Pryor JM, Ramsden DA, Kunkel TA, Pedersen LC, Bebenek K. Structural snapshots of human DNA polymerase μ engaged on a DNA double-strand break. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4784. [PMID: 32963245 PMCID: PMC7508851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18506-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic integrity is threatened by cytotoxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which must be resolved efficiently to prevent sequence loss, chromosomal rearrangements/translocations, or cell death. Polymerase μ (Polμ) participates in DSB repair via the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, by filling small sequence gaps in broken ends to create substrates ultimately ligatable by DNA Ligase IV. Here we present structures of human Polμ engaging a DSB substrate. Synapsis is mediated solely by Polμ, facilitated by single-nucleotide homology at the break site, wherein both ends of the discontinuous template strand are stabilized by a hydrogen bonding network. The active site in the quaternary Pol μ complex is poised for catalysis and nucleotide incoporation proceeds in crystallo. These structures demonstrate that Polμ may address complementary DSB substrates during NHEJ in a manner indistinguishable from single-strand breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Kaminski
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Bldg. 101/Rm F338, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
| | - John M. Pryor
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 32-046 Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, 450 West Dr., CB 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Dale A. Ramsden
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 32-046 Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, 450 West Dr., CB 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Thomas A. Kunkel
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Bldg. 101/Rm F338, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
| | - Lars C. Pedersen
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Bldg. 101/Rm F338, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
| | - Katarzyna Bebenek
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Bldg. 101/Rm F338, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
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