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Gaillard H, Ciudad T, Aguilera A, Wellinger RE. Histone variant H2A.Z is needed for efficient transcription-coupled NER and genome integrity in UV challenged yeast cells. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011300. [PMID: 39255275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The genome of living cells is constantly challenged by DNA lesions that interfere with cellular processes such as transcription and replication. A manifold of mechanisms act in concert to ensure adequate DNA repair, gene expression, and genome stability. Bulky DNA lesions, such as those induced by UV light or the DNA-damaging agent 4-nitroquinoline oxide, act as transcriptional and replicational roadblocks and thus represent a major threat to cell metabolism. When located on the transcribed strand of active genes, these lesions are handled by transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER), a yet incompletely understood NER sub-pathway. Here, using a genetic screen in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified histone variant H2A.Z as an important component to safeguard transcription and DNA integrity following UV irradiation. In the absence of H2A.Z, repair by TC-NER is severely impaired and RNA polymerase II clearance reduced, leading to an increase in double-strand breaks. Thus, H2A.Z is needed for proficient TC-NER and plays a major role in the maintenance of genome stability upon UV irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Gaillard
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Toni Ciudad
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Andrés Aguilera
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Ralf E Wellinger
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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2
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Kannan A, Gangadharan Leela S, Branzei D, Gangwani L. Role of senataxin in R-loop-mediated neurodegeneration. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae239. [PMID: 39070547 PMCID: PMC11277865 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Senataxin is an RNA:DNA helicase that plays an important role in the resolution of RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops) formed during transcription. R-loops are involved in the regulation of biological processes such as immunoglobulin class switching, gene expression and DNA repair. Excessive accumulation of R-loops results in DNA damage and loss of genomic integrity. Senataxin is critical for maintaining optimal levels of R-loops to prevent DNA damage and acts as a genome guardian. Within the nucleus, senataxin interacts with various RNA processing factors and DNA damage response and repair proteins. Senataxin interactors include survival motor neuron and zinc finger protein 1, with whom it co-localizes in sub-nuclear bodies. Despite its ubiquitous expression, mutations in senataxin specifically affect neurons and result in distinct neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4 and ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2, which are attributed to the gain-of-function and the loss-of-function mutations in senataxin, respectively. In addition, low levels of senataxin (loss-of-function) in spinal muscular atrophy result in the accumulation of R-loops causing DNA damage and motor neuron degeneration. Senataxin may play multiple functions in diverse cellular processes; however, its emerging role in R-loop resolution and maintenance of genomic integrity is gaining attention in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the role of senataxin in R-loop resolution and its potential as a therapeutic target to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shyni Gangadharan Leela
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dana Branzei
- The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, IFOM ETS, Milan 20139, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Laxman Gangwani
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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3
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Gong W, Holmberg H, Lu C, Huang M, Li S. Interplay of the Tfb1 pleckstrin homology domain with Rad2 and Rad4 in transcription coupled and global genomic nucleotide excision repair. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6333-6346. [PMID: 38634797 PMCID: PMC11194066 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription-coupled repair (TCR) and global genomic repair (GGR) are two subpathways of nucleotide excision repair (NER). The TFIIH subunit Tfb1 contains a Pleckstrin homology domain (PHD), which was shown to interact with one PHD-binding segment (PB) of Rad4 and two PHD-binding segments (PB1 and PB2) of Rad2 in vitro. Whether and how the different Rad2 and Rad4 PBs interact with the same Tfb1 PHD, and whether and how they affect TCR and GGR within the cell remain mysterious. We found that Rad4 PB constitutively interacts with Tfb1 PHD, and the two proteins may function within one module for damage recognition in TCR and GGR. Rad2 PB1 protects Tfb1 from degradation and interacts with Tfb1 PHD at a basal level, presumably within transcription preinitiation complexes when NER is inactive. During a late step of NER, the interaction between Rad2 PB1 and Tfb1 PHD augments, enabling efficient TCR and GGR. Rather than interacting with Tfb1 PHD, Rad2 PB2 constrains the basal interaction between Rad2 PB1 and Tfb1 PHD, thereby weakening the protection of Tfb1 from degradation and enabling rapid augmentation of their interactions within TCR and GGR complexes. Our results shed new light on NER mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Gong
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Hannah Holmberg
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Cheng Lu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Michelle Huang
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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4
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Tsui A, Kouznetsova VL, Kesari S, Fiala M, Tsigelny IF. Role of Senataxin in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:996-1009. [PMID: 37982993 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02169-0] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, uncurable neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degradation of motor neurons leading to muscle impairment, failure, and death. Senataxin, encoded by the SETX gene, is a human helicase protein whose mutations have been linked with ALS onset, particularly in its juvenile ALS4 form. Using senataxin's yeast homolog Sen1 as a model for study, it is suggested that senataxin's N-terminus interacts with RNA polymerase II, whilst its C-terminus engages in helicase activity. Senataxin is heavily involved in transcription regulation, termination, and R-loop resolution, enabled by recruitment and interactions with enzymes such as ubiquitin protein ligase SAN1 and ribonuclease H (RNase H). Senataxin also engages in DNA damage response (DDR), primarily interacting with the exosome subunit Rrp45. The Sen1 mutation E1597K, alongside the L389S and R2136H gain-of-function mutations to senataxin, is shown to cause negative structural and thus functional effects to the protein, thus contributing to a disruption in WT functions, motor neuron (MN) degeneration, and the manifestation of ALS clinical symptoms. This review corroborates and summarizes published papers concerning the structure and function of senataxin as well as the effects of their mutations in ALS pathology in order to compile current knowledge and provide a reference for future research. The findings compiled in this review are indicative of the experimental and therapeutic potential of senataxin and its mutations as a target in future ALS treatment/cure discovery, with some potential therapeutic routes also being discussed in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tsui
- REHS Program, San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Valentina L Kouznetsova
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- CureScience Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- BiAna, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Milan Fiala
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Igor F Tsigelny
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- CureScience Institute, San Diego, CA, USA.
- BiAna, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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5
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Gong W, Li S. Rpb7 represses transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104969. [PMID: 37380080 PMCID: PMC10382679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription-coupled repair (TCR) is a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER) that is regulated by multiple facilitators, such as Rad26, and repressors, such as Rpb4 and Spt4/Spt5. How these factors interplay with each other and with core RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified Rpb7, an essential RNAPII subunit, as another TCR repressor and characterized its repression of TCR in the AGP2, RPB2, and YEF3 genes, which are transcribed at low, moderate, and high rates, respectively. The Rpb7 region that interacts with the KOW3 domain of Spt5 represses TCR largely through the same common mechanism as Spt4/Spt5, as mutations in this region mildly enhance the derepression of TCR by spt4Δ only in the YEF3 gene but not in the AGP2 or RPB2 gene. The Rpb7 regions that interact with Rpb4 and/or the core RNAPII repress TCR largely independently of Spt4/Spt5, as mutations in these regions synergistically enhance the derepression of TCR by spt4Δ in all the genes analyzed. The Rpb7 regions that interact with Rpb4 and/or the core RNAPII may also play positive roles in other (non-NER) DNA damage repair and/or tolerance mechanisms, as mutations in these regions can cause UV sensitivity that cannot be attributed to derepression of TCR. Our study reveals a novel function of Rpb7 in TCR regulation and suggests that this RNAPII subunit may have broader roles in DNA damage response beyond its known function in transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Gong
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
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6
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Xie J, Aiello U, Clement Y, Haidara N, Girbig M, Schmitzova J, Pena V, Müller CW, Libri D, Porrua O. An integrated model for termination of RNA polymerase III transcription. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm9875. [PMID: 35857496 PMCID: PMC9278858 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) synthesizes essential and abundant noncoding RNAs such as transfer RNAs. Controlling RNAPIII span of activity by accurate and efficient termination is a challenging necessity to ensure robust gene expression and to prevent conflicts with other DNA-associated machineries. The mechanism of RNAPIII termination is believed to be simpler than that of other eukaryotic RNA polymerases, solely relying on the recognition of a T-tract in the nontemplate strand. Here, we combine high-resolution genome-wide analyses and in vitro transcription termination assays to revisit the mechanism of RNAPIII transcription termination in budding yeast. We show that T-tracts are necessary but not always sufficient for termination and that secondary structures of the nascent RNAs are important auxiliary cis-acting elements. Moreover, we show that the helicase Sen1 plays a key role in a fail-safe termination pathway. Our results provide a comprehensive model illustrating how multiple mechanisms cooperate to ensure efficient RNAPIII transcription termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Xie
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Umberto Aiello
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Yves Clement
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nouhou Haidara
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Mathias Girbig
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Joint PhD degree from EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jana Schmitzova
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Macromolecular Crystallography, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Vladimir Pena
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Macromolecular Crystallography, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph W. Müller
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Domenico Libri
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
- Corresponding author. (D.L.); (O.P.)
| | - Odil Porrua
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
- Corresponding author. (D.L.); (O.P.)
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7
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Li W, Jones K, Burke TJ, Hossain MA, Lariscy L. Epigenetic Regulation of Nucleotide Excision Repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:847051. [PMID: 35465333 PMCID: PMC9023881 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.847051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA is constantly attacked by a plethora of DNA damaging agents both from endogenous and exogenous sources. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the most versatile repair pathway that recognizes and removes a wide range of bulky and/or helix-distorting DNA lesions. Even though the molecular mechanism of NER is well studied through in vitro system, the NER process inside the cell is more complicated because the genomic DNA in eukaryotes is tightly packaged into chromosomes and compacted into a nucleus. Epigenetic modifications regulate gene activity and expression without changing the DNA sequence. The dynamics of epigenetic regulation play a crucial role during the in vivo NER process. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of NER.
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8
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Gaul L, Svejstrup JQ. Transcription-coupled repair and the transcriptional response to UV-Irradiation. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 107:103208. [PMID: 34416541 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lesions in genes that result in RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) stalling or arrest are particularly toxic as they are a focal point of genome instability and potently block further transcription of the affected gene. Thus, cells have evolved the transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) pathway to identify damage-stalled RNAPIIs, so that the lesion can be rapidly repaired and transcription can continue. However, despite the identification of several factors required for TC-NER, how RNAPII is remodelled, modified, removed, or whether this is even necessary for repair remains enigmatic, and theories are intensely contested. Recent studies have further detailed the cellular response to UV-induced ubiquitylation and degradation of RNAPII and its consequences for transcription and repair. These advances make it pertinent to revisit the TC-NER process in general and with specific discussion of the fate of RNAPII stalled at DNA lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Gaul
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jesper Q Svejstrup
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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9
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Dutta M, Moin M, Saha A, Dutta D, Bakshi A, Kirti PB. Gain-of-function mutagenesis through activation tagging identifies XPB2 and SEN1 helicase genes as potential targets for drought stress tolerance in rice. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2021; 134:2253-2272. [PMID: 33821294 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-021-03823-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
XPB2 and SEN1 helicases were identified through activation tagging as potential candidate genes in rice for inducing high water-use efficiency (WUE) and maintaining sustainable yield under drought stress. As a follow-up on the high-water-use-efficiency screening and physiological analyses of the activation-tagged gain-of-function mutant lines that were developed in an indica rice variety, BPT-5204 (Moin et al. in Plant Cell Environ 39:2440-2459, 2016a, https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12796 ), we have identified two gain-of-function mutant lines (XM3 and SM4), which evidenced the activation of two helicases, ATP-dependent DNA helicase (XPB2) and RNA helicase (SEN1), respectively. We performed the transcript profiling of XPB2 and SEN1 upon exposure to various stress conditions and found their significant upregulation, particularly in ABA and PEG treatments. Extensive morpho-physiological and biochemical analyses based on 24 metrics were performed under dehydration stress (PEG) and phytohormone (ABA) treatments for the wild-type and the two mutant lines. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on the dataset captured 72.73% of the cumulative variance using the parameters influencing the first two principal components. The tagged mutants exhibited reduced leaf wilting, improved revival efficiency, constant amylose:amylopectin ratio, high chlorophyll and proline contents, profuse tillering, high quantum efficiency and yield-related traits with respect to their controls. These observations were further validated under greenhouse conditions by the periodic withdrawal of water at the pot level. Germination of the seeds of these mutant lines indicated their insensitivity to high ABA concentration. The associated upregulation of stress-specific genes further suggests that their drought tolerance might be because of the coordinated expression of several stress-responsive genes in these two mutants. Altogether, our results provided a firm basis for SEN1 and XPB2 as potential candidates for manipulation of drought tolerance and improving rice performance and yield under limited water conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouboni Dutta
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Mazahar Moin
- Biotechnology Division, Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, 500030, India.
| | - Anusree Saha
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Dibyendu Dutta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Achala Bakshi
- Biotechnology Division, Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, 500030, India
| | - P B Kirti
- Agri Biotech Foundation, PJTS Agricultural University Campus, Hyderabad, 500030, India.
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10
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Ramachandran S, Ma TS, Griffin J, Ng N, Foskolou IP, Hwang MS, Victori P, Cheng WC, Buffa FM, Leszczynska KB, El-Khamisy SF, Gromak N, Hammond EM. Hypoxia-induced SETX links replication stress with the unfolded protein response. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3686. [PMID: 34140498 PMCID: PMC8211819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour hypoxia is associated with poor patient prognosis and therapy resistance. A unique transcriptional response is initiated by hypoxia which includes the rapid activation of numerous transcription factors in a background of reduced global transcription. Here, we show that the biological response to hypoxia includes the accumulation of R-loops and the induction of the RNA/DNA helicase SETX. In the absence of hypoxia-induced SETX, R-loop levels increase, DNA damage accumulates, and DNA replication rates decrease. Therefore, suggesting that, SETX plays a role in protecting cells from DNA damage induced during transcription in hypoxia. Importantly, we propose that the mechanism of SETX induction in hypoxia is reliant on the PERK/ATF4 arm of the unfolded protein response. These data not only highlight the unique cellular response to hypoxia, which includes both a replication stress-dependent DNA damage response and an unfolded protein response but uncover a novel link between these two distinct pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaliny Ramachandran
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tiffany S Ma
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jon Griffin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Healthy Lifespan and Neuroscience Institute, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Natalie Ng
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Iosifina P Foskolou
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ming-Shih Hwang
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pedro Victori
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wei-Chen Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesca M Buffa
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katarzyna B Leszczynska
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Neurobiology Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Healthy Lifespan and Neuroscience Institute, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Natalia Gromak
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Department of Oncology, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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11
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Duan M, Speer RM, Ulibarri J, Liu KJ, Mao P. Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair: New insights revealed by genomic approaches. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 103:103126. [PMID: 33894524 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Elongation of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is affected by many factors including DNA damage. Bulky damage, such as lesions caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, arrests Pol II and inhibits gene transcription, and may lead to genome instability and cell death. Cells activate transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) to remove Pol II-impeding damage and allow transcription resumption. TC-NER initiation in humans is mediated by Cockayne syndrome group B (CSB) protein, which binds to the stalled Pol II and promotes assembly of the repair machinery. Given the complex nature of the TC-NER pathway and its unique function at the interface between transcription and repair, new approaches are required to gain in-depth understanding of the mechanism. Advances in genomic approaches provide an important opportunity to investigate how TC-NER is initiated upon damage-induced Pol II stalling and what factors are involved in this process. In this Review, we discuss new mechanisms of TC-NER revealed by genome-wide DNA damage mapping and new TC-NER factors identified by high-throughput screening. As TC-NER conducts strand-specific repair of mutagenic damage, we also discuss how this repair pathway causes mutational strand asymmetry in the cancer genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrui Duan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Rachel M Speer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jenna Ulibarri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Peng Mao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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12
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Noe Gonzalez M, Blears D, Svejstrup JQ. Causes and consequences of RNA polymerase II stalling during transcript elongation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:3-21. [PMID: 33208928 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-00308-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The journey of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) as it transcribes a gene is anything but a smooth ride. Transcript elongation is discontinuous and can be perturbed by intrinsic regulatory barriers, such as promoter-proximal pausing, nucleosomes, RNA secondary structures and the underlying DNA sequence. More substantial blocking of Pol II translocation can be caused by other physiological circumstances and extrinsic obstacles, including other transcribing polymerases, the replication machinery and several types of DNA damage, such as bulky lesions and DNA double-strand breaks. Although numerous different obstacles cause Pol II stalling or arrest, the cell somehow distinguishes between them and invokes different mechanisms to resolve each roadblock. Resolution of Pol II blocking can be as straightforward as temporary backtracking and transcription elongation factor S-II (TFIIS)-dependent RNA cleavage, or as drastic as premature transcription termination or degradation of polyubiquitylated Pol II and its associated nascent RNA. In this Review, we discuss the current knowledge of how these different Pol II stalling contexts are distinguished by the cell, how they overlap with each other, how they are resolved and how, when unresolved, they can cause genome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Noe Gonzalez
- Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Blears
- Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Q Svejstrup
- Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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13
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Selvam K, Rahman SA, Li S. Histone H4 H75E mutation attenuates global genomic and Rad26-independent transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:7392-7401. [PMID: 31114907 PMCID: PMC6698655 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide excision repair (NER) consists of global genomic NER (GG-NER) and transcription coupled NER (TC-NER) subpathways. In eukaryotic cells, genomic DNA is wrapped around histone octamers (an H3–H4 tetramer and two H2A–H2B dimers) to form nucleosomes, which are well known to profoundly inhibit the access of NER proteins. Through unbiased screening of histone H4 residues in the nucleosomal LRS (loss of ribosomal DNA-silencing) domain, we identified 24 mutations that enhance or decrease UV sensitivity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The histone H4 H75E mutation, which is largely embedded in the nucleosome and interacts with histone H2B, significantly attenuates GG-NER and Rad26-independent TC-NER but does not affect TC-NER in the presence of Rad26. All the other histone H4 mutations, except for T73F and T73Y that mildly attenuate GG-NER, do not substantially affect GG-NER or TC-NER. The attenuation of GG-NER and Rad26-independent TC-NER by the H4H75E mutation is not due to decreased chromatin accessibility, impaired methylation of histone H3 K79 that is at the center of the LRS domain, or lowered expression of NER proteins. Instead, the attenuation is at least in part due to impaired recruitment of Rad4, the key lesion recognition and verification protein, to chromatin following induction of DNA lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathiresan Selvam
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Sheikh Arafatur Rahman
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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14
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Rivosecchi J, Larochelle M, Teste C, Grenier F, Malapert A, Ricci EP, Bernard P, Bachand F, Vanoosthuyse V. Senataxin homologue Sen1 is required for efficient termination of RNA polymerase III transcription. EMBO J 2019; 38:e101955. [PMID: 31294478 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loop disassembly by the human helicase Senataxin contributes to genome integrity and to proper transcription termination at a subset of RNA polymerase II genes. Whether Senataxin also contributes to transcription termination at other classes of genes has remained unclear. Here, we show that Sen1, one of two fission yeast homologues of Senataxin, promotes efficient termination of RNA polymerase III (RNAP3) transcription in vivo. In the absence of Sen1, RNAP3 accumulates downstream of RNAP3-transcribed genes and produces long exosome-sensitive 3'-extended transcripts. Importantly, neither of these defects was affected by the removal of R-loops. The finding that Sen1 acts as an ancillary factor for RNAP3 transcription termination in vivo challenges the pre-existing view that RNAP3 terminates transcription autonomously. We propose that Sen1 is a cofactor for transcription termination that has been co-opted by different RNA polymerases in the course of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rivosecchi
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Larochelle
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Camille Teste
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Grenier
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Amélie Malapert
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Emiliano P Ricci
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Pascal Bernard
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - François Bachand
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Vanoosthuyse
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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15
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Lim K, Nguyen T, Li AY, Yeo Y, Chen E. Histone H3 lysine 36 methyltransferase mobilizes NER factors to regulate tolerance against alkylation damage in fission yeast. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:5061-5074. [PMID: 29635344 PMCID: PMC6007430 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Set2 methyltransferase and its target, histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36), affect chromatin architecture during the transcription and repair of DNA double-stranded breaks. Set2 also confers resistance against the alkylating agent, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), through an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) exhibit MMS hypersensitivity when expressing a set2 mutant lacking the catalytic histone methyltransferase domain or a H3K36R mutant (reminiscent of a set2-null mutant). Set2 acts synergistically with base excision repair factors but epistatically with nucleotide excision repair (NER) factors, and determines the timely nuclear accumulation of the NER initiator, Rhp23, in response to MMS. Set2 facilitates Rhp23 recruitment to chromatin at the brc1 locus, presumably to repair alkylating damage and regulate the expression of brc1+ in response to MMS. Set2 also show epistasis with DNA damage checkpoint proteins; regulates the activation of Chk1, a DNA damage response effector kinase; and acts in a similar functional group as proteins involved in homologous recombination. Consistently, Set2 and H3K36 ensure the dynamicity of Rhp54 in DNA repair foci formation after MMS treatment. Overall, our results indicate a novel role for Set2/H3K36me in coordinating the recruitment of DNA repair machineries to timely manage alkylating damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Kiat Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thi Thuy Trang Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adelicia Yongling Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yee Phan Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ee Sin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National University Health System, Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences & Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Gregersen LH, Svejstrup JQ. The Cellular Response to Transcription-Blocking DNA Damage. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:327-341. [PMID: 29699641 PMCID: PMC5929563 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In response to transcription-blocking DNA lesions such as those generated by UV irradiation, cells activate a multipronged DNA damage response. This response encompasses repair of the lesions that stall RNA polymerase (RNAP) but also a poorly understood, genome-wide shutdown of transcription, even of genes that are not damaged. Over the past few years, a number of new results have shed light on this intriguing DNA damage response at the structural, biochemical, cell biological, and systems biology level. In this review we summarize the most important findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea H Gregersen
- Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jesper Q Svejstrup
- Mechanisms of Transcription Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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17
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Single-nucleotide resolution dynamic repair maps of UV damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3408-E3415. [PMID: 29581276 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1801687115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have adapted the eXcision Repair-sequencing (XR-seq) method to generate single-nucleotide resolution dynamic repair maps of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and (6-4) pyrimidine-pyrimidone photoproducts in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. We find that these photoproducts are removed from the genome primarily by incisions 13-18 nucleotides 5' and 6-7 nucleotides 3' to the UV damage that generate 21- to 27-nt-long excision products. Analyses of the excision repair kinetics both in single genes and at the genome-wide level reveal strong transcription-coupled repair of the transcribed strand at early time points followed by predominantly nontranscribed strand repair at later stages. We have also characterized the excision repair level as a function of the transcription level. The availability of high-resolution and dynamic repair maps should aid in future repair and mutagenesis studies in this model organism.
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18
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Han Z, Libri D, Porrua O. Biochemical characterization of the helicase Sen1 provides new insights into the mechanisms of non-coding transcription termination. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:1355-1370. [PMID: 28180347 PMCID: PMC5388409 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pervasive transcription is widespread and needs to be controlled in order to avoid interference with gene expression. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the highly conserved helicase Sen1 plays a key role in restricting pervasive transcription by eliciting early termination of non-coding transcription. However, many aspects of the mechanism of termination remain unclear. In this study we characterize the biochemical activities of Sen1 and their role in termination. First, we demonstrate that the helicase domain (HD) is sufficient to dissociate the elongation complex (EC) in vitro. Both full-length Sen1 and its HD can translocate along single-stranded RNA and DNA in the 5΄ to 3΄ direction. Surprisingly, however, we show that Sen1 is a relatively poorly processive enzyme, implying that it must be recruited in close proximity to the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) for efficient termination. We present evidence that Sen1 can promote forward translocation of stalled polymerases by acting on the nascent transcript. In addition, we find that dissociation of the EC by Sen1 is favoured by the reannealing of the DNA upstream of RNAPII. Taken together, our results provide new clues to understand the mechanism of Sen1-dependent transcription termination and a rationale for the kinetic competition between elongation and termination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Han
- Institut Jacques Monod, UMR7592, Centre Nationale pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Domenico Libri
- Institut Jacques Monod, UMR7592, Centre Nationale pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Odil Porrua
- Institut Jacques Monod, UMR7592, Centre Nationale pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
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19
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Li W, Li S. Facilitators and Repressors of Transcription-coupled DNA Repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Photochem Photobiol 2016; 93:259-267. [PMID: 27796045 DOI: 10.1111/php.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nucleotide excision repair is a well-conserved DNA repair pathway that removes bulky and/or helix-distorting DNA lesions, such as UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts. Transcription-coupled repair (TCR) is a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair that is dedicated to rapid removal of DNA lesions in the transcribed strand of actively transcribed genes. In eukaryotic cells, TCR is triggered by RNA polymerase II (RNAP II). Rad26, a DNA-dependent ATPase, Rpb9, a nonessential subunit of RNAP II, and Sen1, a 5' to 3' RNA/DNA and DNA helicase, have been shown to facilitate TCR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast, a number of factors have also been found to repress TCR in the yeast. These TCR repressors include Rpb4, another nonessential subunit of RNAP II, Spt4/5, a transcription elongation factor complex, and the RNAP II-associated factor 1 complex (PAFc). It appears that the eukaryotic TCR process involves intricate interplays of RNAP II with TCR facilitators and repressors. In this minireview, we summarize recent advances in TCR in S. cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Shisheng Li
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
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20
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Groh M, Albulescu LO, Cristini A, Gromak N. Senataxin: Genome Guardian at the Interface of Transcription and Neurodegeneration. J Mol Biol 2016; 429:3181-3195. [PMID: 27771483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
R-loops comprise an RNA/DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA. They play crucial biological functions and are implicated in neurological diseases, including ataxias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, nucleotide expansion disorders (Friedreich ataxia and fragile X syndrome), and cancer. Currently, it is unclear which mechanisms cause R-loop structures to become pathogenic. The RNA/DNA helicase senataxin (SETX) is one of the best characterised R-loop-binding factors in vivo. Mutations in SETX are linked to two neurodegenerative disorders: ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 4 (ALS4). SETX is known to play a role in transcription, neurogenesis, and antiviral response. Here, we review the causes of R-loop dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases and how these structures contribute to pathomechanisms. We will discuss the importance of SETX as a genome guardian in suppressing aberrant R-loop formation and analyse how SETX mutations can lead to neurodegeneration in AOA2/ALS4. Finally, we will discuss the implications for other R-loop-associated neurodegenerative diseases and point to future therapeutic approaches to treat these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Groh
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Laura Oana Albulescu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Agnese Cristini
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Natalia Gromak
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3RE, UK.
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21
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Abstract
Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a versatile pathway that removes helix-distorting DNA lesions from the genomes of organisms across the evolutionary scale, from bacteria to humans. The serial steps in NER involve recognition of lesions, adducts or structures that disrupt the DNA double helix, removal of a short oligonucleotide containing the offending lesion, synthesis of a repair patch copying the opposite undamaged strand, and ligation, to restore the DNA to its original form. Transcription-coupled repair (TCR) is a subpathway of NER dedicated to the repair of lesions that, by virtue of their location on the transcribed strands of active genes, encumber elongation by RNA polymerases. In this review, I report on recent findings that contribute to the elucidation of TCR mechanisms in the bacterium Escherichia coli, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human cells. I review general models for the biochemical pathways and how and when cells might choose to utilize TCR or other pathways for repair or bypass of transcription-blocking DNA alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Spivak
- Biology Department, Stanford University, 385 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305-5020, USA.
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