1
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Mackay HL, Stone HR, Ronson GE, Ellis K, Lanz A, Aghabi Y, Walker AK, Starowicz K, Garvin AJ, Van Eijk P, Koestler SA, Anthony EJ, Piberger AL, Chauhan AS, Conway-Thomas P, Vaitsiankova A, Vijayendran S, Beesley JF, Petermann E, Brown EJ, Densham RM, Reed SH, Dobbs F, Saponaro M, Morris JR. USP50 suppresses alternative RecQ helicase use and deleterious DNA2 activity during replication. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8102. [PMID: 39284827 PMCID: PMC11405836 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian DNA replication relies on various DNA helicase and nuclease activities to ensure accurate genetic duplication, but how different helicase and nuclease activities are properly directed remains unclear. Here, we identify the ubiquitin-specific protease, USP50, as a chromatin-associated protein required to promote ongoing replication, fork restart, telomere maintenance, cellular survival following hydroxyurea or pyridostatin treatment, and suppression of DNA breaks near GC-rich sequences. We find that USP50 supports proper WRN-FEN1 localisation at or near stalled replication forks. Nascent DNA in cells lacking USP50 shows increased association of the DNA2 nuclease and RECQL4 and RECQL5 helicases and replication defects in cells lacking USP50, or FEN1 are driven by these proteins. Consequently, suppression of DNA2 or RECQL4/5 improves USP50-depleted cell resistance to agents inducing replicative stress and restores telomere stability. These data define an unexpected regulatory protein that promotes the balance of helicase and nuclease use at ongoing and stalled replication forks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Mackay
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Helen R Stone
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- CCTT-C Cancer Research UK, Clinical trials unit, Sir Robert Aitken building, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - George E Ronson
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Katherine Ellis
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Alexander Lanz
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yara Aghabi
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alexandra K Walker
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Katarzyna Starowicz
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Adthera Bio, Lyndon House, 62 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 8PE, UK
| | - Alexander J Garvin
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- SUMO Biology Lab, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Patrick Van Eijk
- Broken String Biosciences Ltd., BioData Innovation Centre, Unit AB3-03, Level 3, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1DR, UK
- Division of Cancer & Genetics School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Stefan A Koestler
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Anthony
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ann Liza Piberger
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Anoop S Chauhan
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Poppy Conway-Thomas
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Alina Vaitsiankova
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RQ, UK
- Department of Genetics and Development, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sobana Vijayendran
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- University Hospital Birmingham N.H.S. Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - James F Beesley
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Eva Petermann
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Eric J Brown
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 421 Curie Boulevard PA, 19104-6160, USA
| | - Ruth M Densham
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Simon H Reed
- Broken String Biosciences Ltd., BioData Innovation Centre, Unit AB3-03, Level 3, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1DR, UK
- Division of Cancer & Genetics School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Felix Dobbs
- Broken String Biosciences Ltd., BioData Innovation Centre, Unit AB3-03, Level 3, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1DR, UK
- Division of Cancer & Genetics School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Marco Saponaro
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Joanna R Morris
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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2
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McCarthy-Leo C, Baughan S, Dlugas H, Abraham P, Gibbons J, Baldwin C, Chung S, Feldman GL, Dyson G, Finley RL, Tainsky MA. Germline variant profiling of CHEK2 sequencing variants in breast cancer patients. Cancer Genet 2024; 288-289:10-19. [PMID: 39208550 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2024.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) is a tumor suppressor gene coding for a protein kinase with a role in the cell cycle and DNA repair pathways. Variants within CHEK2 are associated with an increased risk of developing breast, colorectal, prostate and several other types of cancer. Comprehensive genetic risk assessment leads to early detection of hereditary cancer and provides an opportunity for better survival. Multigene panel screening can identify the presence of pathogenic variants in hereditary cancer predisposition genes (HCPG), including CHEK2. Multigene panels, however, also result in large quantities of genetic data some of which cannot be interpreted and are classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). A VUS provides no information for use in medical management and leads to ambiguity in genetic counseling. In the absence of variant segregation data, in vitro functional analyses can be used to clarify variant annotations, aiding in accurate clinical management of patient risk and treatment plans. In this study, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) to investigate the prevalence of germline variants in 210 breast cancer (BC) patients and conspicuously among the many variants in HCPGs that we found, we identified 16 individuals with non-synonymous or frameshift CHEK2 variants, sometimes along with additional variants within other BC susceptibility genes. Using this data, we investigated the prevalence of these CHEK2 variants in African American (AA) and Caucasian (CA) populations identifying the presence of two novel frameshift variants, c.1350delA (p.Val451Serfs*18) and c.1528delC (p.Gln510Argfs*3) and a novel missense variant, c262C>T (p.Pro88Ser). Along with the current clinical classifications, we assembled available experimental data and computational predictions of function for these CHEK2 variants, as well as explored the role these variants may play in polygenic risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire McCarthy-Leo
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Scott Baughan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Hunter Dlugas
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Prisca Abraham
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Janice Gibbons
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Carolyn Baldwin
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Sarah Chung
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Gerald L Feldman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Gregory Dyson
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Oncology, Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Russell L Finley
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Michael A Tainsky
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Oncology, Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.
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3
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Orren DK, Machwe A. Response to Replication Stress and Maintenance of Genome Stability by WRN, the Werner Syndrome Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8300. [PMID: 39125869 PMCID: PMC11311767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158300] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by loss of function of WRN. WS is a segmental progeroid disease and shows early onset or increased frequency of many characteristics of normal aging. WRN possesses helicase, annealing, strand exchange, and exonuclease activities and acts on a variety of DNA substrates, even complex replication and recombination intermediates. Here, we review the genetics, biochemistry, and probably physiological functions of the WRN protein. Although its precise role is unclear, evidence suggests WRN plays a role in pathways that respond to replication stress and maintain genome stability particularly in telomeric regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K. Orren
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Amrita Machwe
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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4
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Monnat RJ. James German and the Quest to Understand Human RECQ Helicase Deficiencies. Cells 2024; 13:1077. [PMID: 38994931 PMCID: PMC11240319 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131077] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
James German's work to establish the natural history and cancer risk associated with Bloom syndrome (BS) has had a strong influence on the generation of scientists and clinicians working to understand other RECQ deficiencies and heritable cancer predisposition syndromes. I summarize work by us and others below, inspired by James German's precedents with BS, to understand and compare BS with the other heritable RECQ deficiency syndromes with a focus on Werner syndrome (WS). What we know, unanswered questions and new opportunities are discussed, as are potential ways to treat or modify WS-associated disease mechanisms and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Monnat
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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5
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Herr LM, Schaffer ED, Fuchs KF, Datta A, Brosh RM. Replication stress as a driver of cellular senescence and aging. Commun Biol 2024; 7:616. [PMID: 38777831 PMCID: PMC11111458 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06263-w] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Replication stress refers to slowing or stalling of replication fork progression during DNA synthesis that disrupts faithful copying of the genome. While long considered a nexus for DNA damage, the role of replication stress in aging is under-appreciated. The consequential role of replication stress in promotion of organismal aging phenotypes is evidenced by an extensive list of hereditary accelerated aging disorders marked by molecular defects in factors that promote replication fork progression and operate uniquely in the replication stress response. Additionally, recent studies have revealed cellular pathways and phenotypes elicited by replication stress that align with designated hallmarks of aging. Here we review recent advances demonstrating the role of replication stress as an ultimate driver of cellular senescence and aging. We discuss clinical implications of the intriguing links between cellular senescence and aging including application of senotherapeutic approaches in the context of replication stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Herr
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ethan D Schaffer
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen F Fuchs
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arindam Datta
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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6
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Mackay HL, Stone HR, Ellis K, Ronson GE, Walker AK, Starowicz K, Garvin AJ, van Eijk P, Vaitsiankova A, Vijayendran S, Beesley JF, Petermann E, Brown EJ, Densham RM, Reed SH, Dobbs F, Saponaro M, Morris JR. USP50 suppresses alternative RecQ helicase use and deleterious DNA2 activity during replication. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.574674. [PMID: 38260523 PMCID: PMC10802463 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.574674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian DNA replication employs several RecQ DNA helicases to orchestrate the faithful duplication of genetic information. Helicase function is often coupled to the activity of specific nucleases, but how helicase and nuclease activities are co-directed is unclear. Here we identify the inactive ubiquitin-specific protease, USP50, as a ubiquitin-binding and chromatin-associated protein required for ongoing replication, fork restart, telomere maintenance and cellular survival during replicative stress. USP50 supports WRN:FEN1 at stalled replication forks, suppresses MUS81-dependent fork collapse and restricts double-strand DNA breaks at GC-rich sequences. Surprisingly we find that cells depleted for USP50 and recovering from a replication block exhibit increased DNA2 and RECQL4 foci and that the defects in ongoing replication, poor fork restart and increased fork collapse seen in these cells are mediated by DNA2, RECQL4 and RECQL5. These data define a novel ubiquitin-dependent pathway that promotes the balance of helicase: nuclease use at ongoing and stalled replication forks.
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7
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Cueny RR, Varma S, Schmidt KH, Keck JL. Biochemical properties of naturally occurring human bloom helicase variants. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281524. [PMID: 37267408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bloom syndrome helicase (BLM) is a RecQ-family helicase implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including DNA replication, DNA repair, and telomere maintenance. Mutations in human BLM cause Bloom syndrome (BS), an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to myriad negative health impacts including a predisposition to cancer. BS-causing mutations in BLM often negatively impact BLM ATPase and helicase activity. While BLM mutations that cause BS have been well characterized both in vitro and in vivo, there are other less studied BLM mutations that exist in the human population that do not lead to BS. Two of these non-BS mutations, encoding BLM P868L and BLM G1120R, when homozygous, increase sister chromatid exchanges in human cells. To characterize these naturally occurring BLM mutant proteins in vitro, we purified the BLM catalytic core (BLMcore, residues 636-1298) with either the P868L or G1120R substitution. We also purified a BLMcore K869A K870A mutant protein, which alters a lysine-rich loop proximal to the P868 residue. We found that BLMcore P868L and G1120R proteins were both able to hydrolyze ATP, bind diverse DNA substrates, and unwind G-quadruplex and duplex DNA structures. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the P868L substitution weakens the DNA interaction with the winged-helix domain of BLM and alters the orientation of one lobe of the ATPase domain. Because BLMcore P868L and G1120R retain helicase function in vitro, it is likely that the increased genome instability is caused by specific impacts of the mutant proteins in vivo. Interestingly, we found that BLMcore K869A K870A has diminished ATPase activity, weakened binding to duplex DNA structures, and less robust helicase activity compared to wild-type BLMcore. Thus, the lysine-rich loop may have an important role in ATPase activity and specific binding and DNA unwinding functions in BLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Cueny
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Sameer Varma
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
| | - Kristina H Schmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
| | - James L Keck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States of America
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8
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Wojnicki K, Kaczmarczyk A, Wojtas B, Kaminska B. BLM helicase overexpressed in human gliomas contributes to diverse responses of human glioma cells to chemotherapy. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:157. [PMID: 37169803 PMCID: PMC10175545 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01451-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of anti-tumour therapies eliminate neoplastic cells by introducing DNA damage which ultimately triggers cell death. These effects are counteracted by activated DNA repair pathways to sustain tumour proliferation capacity. RECQL helicases family, including BLM, participate in DNA damage and repair, and prevent the replication stress. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common, malignant brain tumour that inevitably recurs despite surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Expression and functions of the BLM helicase in GBM therapy resistance have not been elucidated. We analysed expression and localisation of BLM in human gliomas and several glioma cell lines using TCGA datasets, immunostaining and Western blotting. BLM depleted human glioma cells were generated with CRISPR/Cas9 system. Effects of chemotherapeutics on cell proliferation, DNA damage and apoptosis were determined with flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and RNA sequencing. We found upregulated BLM mRNA levels in malignant gliomas, increased cytosolic localisation and poor survival of GBM patients with high BLM expression. BLM deficiency in LN18 and LN229 glioma cells resulted in profound transcriptomic alterations, reduced cell proliferation, and altered cell responses to chemotherapeutics. BLM-deficient glioma cells were resistant to the TMZ and PARP inhibitor treatment and underwent polyploidy or senescence depending on the TP53 activity. Our findings of high BLM expression in GBMs and its roles in responses to chemotherapeutics provide a rationale for targeting BLM helicase in brain tumours. BLM deficiency affects responses of glioma cells to chemotherapeutics targeting PARP1 dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Wojnicki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wojtas
- Laboratory of Sequencing, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
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9
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Hou Y, Park JH, Dan X, Chu X, Yang B, Hussain M, Croteau DL, Bohr VA. RecQ dysfunction contributes to social and depressive-like behavior and affects aldolase activity in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106092. [PMID: 36948261 PMCID: PMC10106417 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106092] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RecQ helicase family proteins play vital roles in maintaining genome stability, including DNA replication, recombination, and DNA repair. In human cells, there are five RecQ helicases: RECQL1, Bloom syndrome (BLM), Werner syndrome (WRN), RECQL4, and RECQL5. Dysfunction or absence of RecQ proteins is associated with genetic disorders, tumorigenesis, premature aging, and neurodegeneration. The biochemical and biological roles of RecQ helicases are rather well established, however, there is no systematic study comparing the behavioral changes among various RecQ-deficient mice including consequences of exposure to DNA damage. Here, we investigated the effects of ionizing irradiation (IR) on three RecQ-deficient mouse models (RecQ1, WRN and RecQ4). We find abnormal cognitive behavior in RecQ-deficient mice in the absence of IR. Interestingly, RecQ dysfunction impairs social ability and induces depressive-like behavior in mice after a single exposure to IR, suggesting that RecQ proteins play roles in mood and cognition behavior. Further, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed significant alterations in RecQ-deficient mice, especially after IR exposure. In particular, pathways related to neuronal and microglial functions, DNA damage repair, cell cycle, and reactive oxygen responses were downregulated in the RecQ4 and WRN mice. In addition, increased DNA damage responses were found in RecQ-deficient mice. Notably, two genes, Aldolase Fructose-Bisphosphate B (Aldob) and NADPH Oxidase 4 (Nox4), were differentially expressed in RecQ-deficient mice. Our findings suggest that RecQ dysfunction contributes to social and depressive-like behaviors in mice, and that aldolase activity may be associated with these changes, representing a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Hou
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jae-Hyeon Park
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Xiuli Dan
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Xixia Chu
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Beimeng Yang
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mansoor Hussain
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Computational Biology & Genomics Core, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Danish Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark.
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10
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Tang Y, Wang Q, Zhang WK, Liu YX, Zheng ZF, Fan LL, Liu L, He J. Case report: A novel mutation of RecQ-like helicase 5 in a Chinese family with early myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and stroke hemiplegia. Front Genet 2023; 14:1146932. [PMID: 37180972 PMCID: PMC10169744 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1146932] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a type of severe coronary artery disease (CAD) that can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The prevalence of heart failure globally is estimated at 1%-2%, of which ∼60% of cases are the consequence of MI as the primary cause. At present, several disease-causing genes have been identified that may be responsible for MI, such as autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1) and RecQ-like helicase 5 (RECQL5). Methods: In this study, we enrolled a Chinese family with MI, CAD, and stroke hemiplegia. Whole-exome sequencing was applied to analyze the genetic lesion of the proband. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the candidate mutation in five family members and 200 local control cohorts. Results: After data filtering, we detected a novel mutation (NM_004259: c.1247T>C/p.I416T) of RECQL5 in the proband. Sanger sequencing further validated that the novel mutation was existent in the affected individuals, including the proband's younger sister and her mother, and absent in the other healthy family members and 200 local control cohorts. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis confirmed that the novel mutation, located in a highly evolutionarily conserved site, was predicted to be deleterious and may change the hydrophobic surface area and aliphatic index of RECQL5. Conclusion: Here, we report the second mutation (NM_004259: c.1247T>C/p.I416T) of RECQL5 underlying MI and CAD by whole-exome sequencing. Our study expanded the spectrum of RECQL5 mutations and contributed to genetic diagnosis and counseling of MI and CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Heart Failure of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei-Kai Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Xing Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao-Fen Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Heart Failure of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang-Liang Fan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lv Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Cardiology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Heart Failure of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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11
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Cueny RR, Varma S, Schmidt KH, Keck JL. Biochemical Properties of Naturally Occurring Human Bloom Helicase Variants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525669. [PMID: 36747637 PMCID: PMC9900874 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bloom syndrome helicase (BLM) is a RecQ-family helicase implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including DNA replication, DNA repair, and telomere maintenance. Mutations in human BLM cause Bloom syndrome (BS), an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to myriad negative health impacts including a predisposition to cancer. BS-causing mutations in BLM often negatively impact BLM ATPase and helicase activity. While BLM mutations that cause BS have been well characterized both in vitro and in vivo , there are other less studied BLM mutations that exist in the human population that do not lead to BS. Two of these non-BS mutations, encoding BLM P868L and BLM G1120R, when homozygous, increase sister chromatid exchanges in human cells. To characterize these naturally occurring BLM mutant proteins in vitro , we purified the BLM catalytic core (BLM core , residues 636-1298) with either the P868L or G1120R substitution. We also purified a BLM core K869A K870A mutant protein, which alters a lysine-rich loop proximal to the P868 residue. We found that BLM core P868L and G1120R proteins were both able to hydrolyze ATP, bind diverse DNA substrates, and unwind G-quadruplex and duplex DNA structures. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the P868L substitution weakens the DNA interaction with the winged-helix domain of BLM and alters the orientation of one lobe of the ATPase domain. Because BLM core P868L and G1120R retain helicase function in vitro , it is likely that the increased genome instability is caused by specific impacts of the mutant proteins in vivo . Interestingly, we found that BLM core K869A K870A has diminished ATPase activity, weakened binding to duplex DNA structures, and less robust helicase activity compared to wild-type BLM core . Thus, the lysine-rich loop may have an important role in ATPase activity and specific binding and DNA unwinding functions in BLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Cueny
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706
| | - Sameer Varma
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa FL 33620
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa FL 33620
| | - Kristina H. Schmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa FL 33620
| | - James L. Keck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706
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Abstract
High-fidelity DNA replication is critical for the faithful transmission of genetic information to daughter cells. Following genotoxic stress, specialized DNA damage tolerance pathways are activated to ensure replication fork progression. These pathways include translesion DNA synthesis, template switching and repriming. In this Review, we describe how DNA damage tolerance pathways impact genome stability, their connection with tumorigenesis and their effects on cancer therapy response. We discuss recent findings that single-strand DNA gap accumulation impacts chemoresponse and explore a growing body of evidence that suggests that different DNA damage tolerance factors, including translesion synthesis polymerases, template switching proteins and enzymes affecting single-stranded DNA gaps, represent useful cancer targets. We further outline how the consequences of DNA damage tolerance mechanisms could inform the discovery of new biomarkers to refine cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cybulla
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alessandro Vindigni
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Ovejero S, Viziteu E, Dutrieux L, Devin J, Lin YL, Alaterre E, Jourdan M, Basbous J, Requirand G, Robert N, de Boussac H, Seckinger A, Hose D, Vincent L, Herbaux C, Constantinou A, Pasero P, Moreaux J. The BLM helicase is a new therapeutic target in multiple myeloma involved in replication stress survival and drug resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:983181. [PMID: 36569948 PMCID: PMC9780552 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.983181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic cancer characterized by accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. To date, no definitive cure exists for MM and resistance to current treatments is one of the major challenges of this disease. The DNA helicase BLM, whose depletion or mutation causes the cancer-prone Bloom's syndrome (BS), is a central factor of DNA damage repair by homologous recombination (HR) and genomic stability maintenance. Using independent cohorts of MM patients, we identified that high expression of BLM is associated with a poor outcome with a significant enrichment in replication stress signature. We provide evidence that chemical inhibition of BLM by the small molecule ML216 in HMCLs (human myeloma cell lines) leads to cell cycle arrest and increases apoptosis, likely by accumulation of DNA damage. BLM inhibition synergizes with the alkylating agent melphalan to efficiently inhibit growth and promote cell death in HMCLs. Moreover, ML216 treatment re-sensitizes melphalan-resistant cell lines to this conventional therapeutic agent. Altogether, these data suggest that inhibition of BLM in combination with DNA damaging agents could be of therapeutic interest in the treatment of MM, especially in those patients with high BLM expression and/or resistance to melphalan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ovejero
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Elena Viziteu
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Laure Dutrieux
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Devin
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Yea-Lih Lin
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Elina Alaterre
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Michel Jourdan
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jihane Basbous
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Guilhem Requirand
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Robert
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Dirk Hose
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laure Vincent
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charles Herbaux
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France,Department of Hematology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe Pasero
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Moreaux
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, Montpellier, France,Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France,*Correspondence: Jérôme Moreaux,
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Research on Werner Syndrome: Trends from Past to Present and Future Prospects. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101802. [PMID: 36292687 PMCID: PMC9601476 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A rare and autosomal recessive premature aging disorder, Werner syndrome (WS) is characterized by the early onset of aging-associated diseases, including shortening stature, alopecia, bilateral cataracts, skin ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and chromosomal instability, as well as cancer predisposition. WRN, the gene responsible for WS, encodes DNA helicase with a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, and numerous studies have revealed that WRN helicase is involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability through actions in DNA, e.g., DNA replication, repair, recombination, and epigenetic regulation via interaction with DNA repair factors, telomere-binding proteins, histone modification enzymes, and other DNA metabolic factors. However, although these efforts have elucidated the cellular functions of the helicase in cell lines, they have not been linked to the treatment of the disease. Life expectancy has improved for WS patients over the past three decades, and it is hoped that a fundamental treatment for the disease will be developed. Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been established, and these are expected to be used in drug discovery and regenerative medicine for WS patients. In this article, we review trends in research to date and present some perspectives on WS research with regard to the application of pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, the elucidation of disease mechanisms and drug discovery utilizing the vast amount of scientific data accumulated to date will be discussed.
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Marchena-Perea EM, Salazar-Hidalgo ME, Gómez-Sanz A, Arranz-Ledo M, Barroso A, Fernández V, Tejera-Pérez H, Pita G, Núñez-Torres R, Pombo L, Morales-Chamorro R, Cano-Cano JM, Soriano MDC, Garre P, Durán M, Currás-Freixes M, de la Hoya M, Osorio A. A Large Case-Control Study Performed in Spanish Population Suggests That RECQL5 Is the Only RECQ Helicase Involved in Breast Cancer Susceptibility. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194738. [PMID: 36230663 PMCID: PMC9563930 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Around 50% of the familial breast cancer (BC) cases are estimated to be caused by variants in low-, moderate-, and high-risk susceptibility genes; however, the other half is of unknown origin. The finding of new susceptibility genes is key to improve diagnosis, take preventive measures, and identify new therapies. In this context, previous studies have discussed whether the genes encoding for the RECQ helicase family could play a role in BC susceptibility, without very conclusive results. To clarify this, in this study, we sequenced the whole coding sequence of the RECQL1, BLM, WRN, RECQL4, and RECQL5 genes in 1993 Spanish BC familial cases and compared it with controls from gnomAD. No association was found for RECQL1, BLM, WRN, and RECQL4; however, we did find an association between RECQL5 and breast cancer as a moderate-risk gene, making it a perfect candidate for further studies. Abstract Around 50% of the familial breast cancer (BC) cases are estimated to be caused by germline variants in known low-, moderate-, and high-risk susceptibility genes, while the other half is of unknown genetic origin. In the present study, we wanted to evaluate the role of the RECQ helicases, some of which have been studied in the past as candidates, with unclear results about their role in the disease. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, we analyzed the whole coding sequence of BLM, RECQL1, RECQL4, RECQL5, and WRN in almost 2000 index cases from BC Spanish families that had previously tested negative for the known BC susceptibility genes (BRCAX) and compared the results with the controls extracted from gnomAD. Our results suggest that BLM, RECQL1, RECQL4, and WRN do not play a major role in BC susceptibility. However, in the combined analysis, joining the present results with those previously reported in a series of 1334 BC Spanish patients and controls, we found a statistically significant association between Loss of Function (LoF) variants in RECQL5 and BC risk, with an OR of 2.56 (p = 0.009; 95% CI, 1.18–4.98). Our findings support our previous work and places the RECQL5 gene as a new moderate-risk BC gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Michel Marchena-Perea
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Familial Cancer Clinical Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Milton Eduardo Salazar-Hidalgo
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Familial Cancer Clinical Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Gómez-Sanz
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory (CIBERONC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Arranz-Ledo
- Cancer Genetics Group, Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IBGM, UVa-CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alicia Barroso
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Familial Cancer Clinical Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Fernández
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Familial Cancer Clinical Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Hugo Tejera-Pérez
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Human Genotyping Unit (CEGEN), Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Pita
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Human Genotyping Unit (CEGEN), Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Núñez-Torres
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Human Genotyping Unit (CEGEN), Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luz Pombo
- Medical Oncology Section, Universitary Hospital Complex of Albacete, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - Rafael Morales-Chamorro
- Medical Oncology Section, Hospitalary Compex La Mancha Centro, 13600 Alcázar de San Juan, Spain
| | - Juana María Cano-Cano
- Medical Oncology Service, Universitary General Hospital of Ciudad Real, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Garre
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory (CIBERONC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Durán
- Cancer Genetics Group, Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IBGM, UVa-CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María Currás-Freixes
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Familial Cancer Clinical Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel de la Hoya
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory (CIBERONC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Osorio
- Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Familial Cancer Clinical Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Spanish Network on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Genetics Service, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28043 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-917-328-002
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Kohzaki M. Mammalian Resilience Revealed by a Comparison of Human Diseases and Mouse Models Associated With DNA Helicase Deficiencies. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:934042. [PMID: 36032672 PMCID: PMC9403131 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.934042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining genomic integrity is critical for sustaining individual animals and passing on the genome to subsequent generations. Several enzymes, such as DNA helicases and DNA polymerases, are involved in maintaining genomic integrity by unwinding and synthesizing the genome, respectively. Indeed, several human diseases that arise caused by deficiencies in these enzymes have long been known. In this review, the author presents the DNA helicases associated with human diseases discovered to date using recent analyses, including exome sequences. Since several mouse models that reflect these human diseases have been developed and reported, this study also summarizes the current knowledge regarding the outcomes of DNA helicase deficiencies in humans and mice and discusses possible mechanisms by which DNA helicases maintain genomic integrity in mammals. It also highlights specific diseases that demonstrate mammalian resilience, in which, despite the presence of genomic instability, patients and mouse models have lifespans comparable to those of the general population if they do not develop cancers; finally, this study discusses future directions for therapeutic applications in humans that can be explored using these mouse models.
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Paccosi E, Balajee AS, Proietti-De-Santis L. A matter of delicate balance: Loss and gain of Cockayne syndrome proteins in premature aging and cancer. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:960662. [PMID: 35935726 PMCID: PMC9351357 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.960662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
DNA repair genes are critical for preserving genomic stability and it is well established that mutations in DNA repair genes give rise to progeroid diseases due to perturbations in different DNA metabolic activities. Cockayne Syndrome (CS) is an autosomal recessive inheritance caused by inactivating mutations in CSA and CSB genes. This review will primarily focus on the two Cockayne Syndrome proteins, CSA and CSB, primarily known to be involved in Transcription Coupled Repair (TCR). Curiously, dysregulated expression of CS proteins has been shown to exhibit differential health outcomes: lack of CS proteins due to gene mutations invariably leads to complex premature aging phenotypes, while excess of CS proteins is associated with carcinogenesis. Thus it appears that CS genes act as a double-edged sword whose loss or gain of expression leads to premature aging and cancer. Future mechanistic studies on cell and animal models of CS can lead to potential biological targets for interventions in both aging and cancer development processes. Some of these exciting possibilities will be discussed in this review in light of the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Paccosi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Aging, Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Paccosi, ; Adayabalam S. Balajee, ; Luca Proietti-De-Santis,
| | - Adayabalam S. Balajee
- Cytogenetic Biodosimetry Laboratory, Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site, Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Elena Paccosi, ; Adayabalam S. Balajee, ; Luca Proietti-De-Santis,
| | - Luca Proietti-De-Santis
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Aging, Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Paccosi, ; Adayabalam S. Balajee, ; Luca Proietti-De-Santis,
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18
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Datta A, Brosh RM. WRN rescues replication forks compromised by a BRCA2 deficiency: Predictions for how inhibition of a helicase that suppresses premature aging tilts the balance to fork demise and chromosomal instability in cancer. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200057. [PMID: 35751457 PMCID: PMC9527950 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are frequently attributed to germline mutations in the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1/2 act to repair double-strand breaks (DSBs) and suppress the demise of unstable replication forks. Our work elucidated a dynamic interplay between BRCA2 and the WRN DNA helicase/exonuclease defective in the premature aging disorder Werner syndrome. WRN and BRCA2 participate in complementary pathways to stabilize replication forks in cancer cells, allowing them to proliferate. Whether the functional overlap of WRN and BRCA2 is relevant to replication at gaps between newly synthesized DNA fragments, protection of telomeres, and/or metabolism of secondary DNA structures remain to be determined. Advances in understanding the mechanisms elicited during replication stress have prompted the community to reconsider avenues for cancer therapy. Insights from studies of PARP or topoisomerase inhibitors provide working models for the investigation of WRN's mechanism of action. We discuss these topics, focusing on the implications of the WRN-BRCA2 genetic interaction under conditions of replication stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Thakkar MK, Lee J, Meyer S, Chang VY. RecQ Helicase Somatic Alterations in Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:887758. [PMID: 35782872 PMCID: PMC9240438 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.887758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Named the “caretakers” of the genome, RecQ helicases function in several pathways to maintain genomic stability and repair DNA. This highly conserved family of enzymes consist of five different proteins in humans: RECQL1, BLM, WRN, RECQL4, and RECQL5. Biallelic germline mutations in BLM, WRN, and RECQL4 have been linked to rare cancer-predisposing syndromes. Emerging research has also implicated somatic alterations in RecQ helicases in a variety of cancers, including hematological malignancies, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, amongst others. These alterations in RecQ helicases, particularly overexpression, may lead to increased resistance of cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy. Downregulation of these proteins may allow for increased sensitivity to chemotherapy, and, therefore, may be important therapeutic targets. Here we provide a comprehensive review of our current understanding of the role of RecQ DNA helicases in cancer and discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities in targeting these helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha K. Thakkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stefan Meyer
- Division of Cancer Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian Y. Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Childrens Discovery and Innovation Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Vivian Y. Chang,
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Genome-wide investigations on regulatory functions of RECQ1 helicase. Methods 2022; 204:263-268. [PMID: 35231585 PMCID: PMC9233132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA helicase RECQ1 (also known as RECQL or RECQL1) is a candidate breast cancer susceptibility gene significantly correlated with clinical outcomes of sporadic breast cancer patients. Prior studies have suggested that RECQ1 maintains genomic stability by regulating a wide variety of core cellular functions including DNA replication, DNA damage response, and transcription. However, it is unclear which, if any, of these are the primary functions of RECQ1 as related to its role in suppressing breast cancer. We describe here an unbiased integrative genomics approach that enabled us to discover a previously unknown regulatory role of RECQ1 in promoting Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα) expression and the expression of specific ERα target genes in ER positive breast cancer cells. We discuss potential future applications of similar experimental strategies in advancing the mechanistic understanding and elucidating specific new details of genome-wide functions of RECQ1 and other RecQ helicases in maintaining genomic stability and preventing cancer.
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21
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Transcriptional regulation by a RecQ helicase. Methods Enzymol 2022; 673:227-249. [PMID: 35965009 PMCID: PMC9379128 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RecQ helicases participate in a variety of DNA metabolic processes through their multiple biochemical activities. In vitro characterization and cellular studies have suggested that RECQ1 (also known as RECQL or RECQL1) performs its diverse functions through specific interactions with DNA and protein partners. We have taken an unbiased approach to determine the contribution of RECQ1 in genome maintenance and as a putative susceptibility factor in breast cancer. Here, we provide methodology to map the genome-wide binding sites of RECQ1 together with the profiling of RECQ1-dependent transcriptome to investigate its role in gene regulation. The described approach will be helpful to develop a mechanistic framework for elucidating critical functions of RECQ1 and other RecQ homologs in distinct chromatin and biological contexts.
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