Re-replication of a centromere induces chromosomal instability and aneuploidy

RAD51 restricts DNA over-replication from re-activated origins

Eukaryotic cells rely on several mechanisms to ensure that the genome is duplicated precisely once in each cell division cycle, preventing DNA over-replication and genomic instability. Most of these mechanisms limit the activity of origin licensing proteins to prevent the reactivation of origins that have already been used. Here, we have investigated whether additional controls restrict the extension of re-replicated DNA in the event of origin re-activation. In a genetic screening in cells forced to re-activate origins, we found that re-replication is limited by RAD51 and enhanced by FBH1, a RAD51 antagonist. In the presence of chromatin-bound RAD51, forks stemming from re-fired origins are slowed down, leading to frequent events of fork reversal. Eventual re-initiation of DNA synthesis mediated by PRIMPOL creates ssDNA gaps that facilitate the partial elimination of re-duplicated DNA by MRE11 exonuclease. In the absence of RAD51, these controls are abrogated and re-replication forks progress much longer than in normal conditions. Our study uncovers a safeguard mechanism to protect genome stability in the event of origin reactivation.

Unscheduled DNA replication in G1 causes genome instability and damage signatures indicative of replication collisions

DNA replicates once per cell cycle. Interfering with the regulation of DNA replication initiation generates genome instability through over-replication and has been linked to early stages of cancer development. Here, we engineer genetic systems in budding yeast to induce unscheduled replication in a G1-like cell cycle state. Unscheduled G1 replication initiates at canonical S-phase origins. We quantifiy the composition of replisomes in G1- and S-phase and identified firing factors, polymerase α, and histone supply as factors that limit replication outside S-phase. G1 replication per se does not trigger cellular checkpoints. Subsequent replication during S-phase, however, results in over-replication and leads to chromosome breaks and chromosome-wide, strand-biased occurrence of RPA-bound single-stranded DNA, indicating head-to-tail replication collisions as a key mechanism generating genome instability upon G1 replication. Low-level, sporadic induction of G1 replication induces an identical response, indicating findings from synthetic systems are applicable to naturally occurring scenarios of unscheduled replication initiation.

SPOP mutation induces replication over-firing by impairing Geminin ubiquitination and triggers replication catastrophe upon ATR inhibition

Geminin and its binding partner Cdt1 are essential for the regulation of DNA replication. Here we show that the CULLIN3 E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein SPOP binds Geminin at endogenous level and regulates DNA replication. SPOP promotes K27-linked non-degradative poly-ubiquitination of Geminin at lysine residues 100 and 127. This poly-ubiquitination of Geminin prevents DNA replication over-firing by indirectly blocking the association of Cdt1 with the MCM protein complex, an interaction required for DNA unwinding and replication. SPOP is frequently mutated in certain human cancer types and implicated in tumorigenesis. We show that cancer-associated SPOP mutations impair Geminin K27-linked poly-ubiquitination and induce replication origin over-firing and re-replication. The replication stress caused by SPOP mutations triggers replication catastrophe and cell death upon ATR inhibition. Our results reveal a tumor suppressor role of SPOP in preventing DNA replication over-firing and genome instability and suggest that SPOP-mutated tumors may be susceptible to ATR inhibitor therapy.

Geminin-Cdt1 plays essential roles in the regulation of DNA replication. Here the authors reveal that the CULLIN3 E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor protein SPOP prevents DNA replication over-firing and genome instability by affecting Geminin ubiquitination.

Long noncoding RNA: A resident staff of genomic instability regulation in tumorigenesis

Genomic instability is an important characteristic of cancer, which promotes clonal evolution and tumorigenesis by increasing the frequency of gene destruction and loss of genome integrity. Generally, the maintenance of genomic stability depends significantly on the accurate regulation and timely repair of different genomic scales, ranging from DNA sequence to chromatin higher-order structures to chromosomes. Once irreversible damage and imperfect repair occurred, the resulting genomic instability can lead to a higher risk of tumorigenesis. However, how these factors disrupt genomic stability and their specific tumorigenic mechanisms remain unclear. Inspiringly, numerous studies have confirmed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), an important regulator of epigenetic inheritance, are functional in such process. Thus, this review aimed to discuss the vital factors that may lead to genomic instability at these multiple genomic scales, with an emphasis on the role of lncRNAs in it.

Under-Replicated DNA: The Byproduct of Large Genomes?

In this review, we provide an overview of how proliferating eukaryotic cells overcome one of the main threats to genome stability: incomplete genomic DNA replication during S phase. We discuss why it is currently accepted that double fork stalling (DFS) events are unavoidable events in higher eukaryotes with large genomes and which responses have evolved to cope with its main consequence: the presence of under-replicated DNA (UR-DNA) outside S phase. Particular emphasis is placed on the processes that constrain the detrimental effects of UR-DNA. We discuss how mitotic DNA synthesis (MiDAS), mitotic end joining events and 53BP1 nuclear bodies (53BP1-NBs) deal with such specific S phase DNA replication remnants during the subsequent phases of the cell cycle.

Common Features of the Pericentromere and Nucleolus

Both the pericentromere and the nucleolus have unique characteristics that distinguish them amongst the rest of genome. Looping of pericentromeric DNA, due to structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins condensin and cohesin, drives its ability to maintain tension during metaphase. Similar loops are formed via condensin and cohesin in nucleolar ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Condensin and cohesin are also concentrated in transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, genes which may be located within the pericentromere as well as tethered to the nucleolus. Replication fork stalling, as well as downstream consequences such as genomic recombination, are characteristic of both the pericentromere and rDNA. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that the pericentromere may function as a liquid-liquid phase separated domain, similar to the nucleolus. We therefore propose that the pericentromere and nucleolus, in part due to their enrichment of SMC proteins and others, contain similar domains that drive important cellular activities such as segregation, stability, and repair.

Preparation for DNA replication: the key to a successful S phase

Successful genome duplication is required for cell proliferation and demands extraordinary precision and accuracy. The mechanisms by which cells enter, progress through, and exit S phase are intense areas of focus in the cell cycle and genome stability fields. Key molecular events in the G1 phase of the cell division cycle, especially origin licensing, are essential for pre-establishing conditions for efficient DNA replication during the subsequent S phase. If G1 events are poorly regulated or disordered, then DNA replication can be compromised leading to genome instability, a hallmark of tumorigenesis. Upon entry into S phase, coordinated origin firing and replication progression ensure complete, timely, and precise chromosome replication. Both G1 and S phase progressions are controlled by master cell cycle protein kinases and ubiquitin ligases that govern the activity and abundance of DNA replication factors. In this short review, we describe current understanding and recent developments related to G1 progression and S phase entrance and exit with a particular focus on origin licensing regulation in vertebrates.

Replication Licensing Aberrations, Replication Stress, and Genomic Instability

Strict regulation of DNA replication is of fundamental significance for the maintenance of genome stability. Licensing of origins of DNA replication is a critical event for timely genome duplication. Errors in replication licensing control lead to genomic instability across evolution. Here, we present accumulating evidence that aberrant replication licensing is linked to oncogene-induced replication stress and poses a major threat to genome stability, promoting tumorigenesis. Oncogene activation can lead to defects in where along the genome and when during the cell cycle licensing takes place, resulting in replication stress. We also discuss the potential of replication licensing as a specific target for novel anticancer therapies.

DNA Rereplication Is Susceptible to Nucleotide-Level Mutagenesis

The initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication at replication origins is tightly regulated to prevent re-initiation and re-replication within each cell cycle. This regulation is critical for genome stability as re-replication is an extremely potent inducer...

The sources of genome instability, a hallmark of cancer, remain incompletely understood. One potential source is DNA rereplication, which arises when the mechanisms that prevent the reinitiation of replication origins within a single cell cycle are compromised. Using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we previously showed that DNA rereplication is extremely potent at inducing gross chromosomal alterations and that this arises in part because of the susceptibility of rereplication forks to break. Here, we examine the ability of DNA rereplication to induce nucleotide-level mutations. During normal replication these mutations are restricted by three overlapping error-avoidance mechanisms: the nucleotide selectivity of replicative polymerases, their proofreading activity, and mismatch repair. Using lys2InsE_A14, a frameshift reporter that is poorly proofread, we show that rereplication induces up to a 30× higher rate of frameshift mutations and that this mutagenesis is due to passage of the rereplication fork, not secondary to rereplication fork breakage. Rereplication can also induce comparable rates of frameshift and base-substitution mutations in a more general mutagenesis reporter CAN1, when the proofreading activity of DNA polymerase ε is inactivated. Finally, we show that the rereplication-induced mutagenesis of both lys2InsE_A14 and CAN1 disappears in the absence of mismatch repair. These results suggest that mismatch repair is attenuated during rereplication, although at most sequences DNA polymerase proofreading provides enough error correction to mitigate the mutagenic consequences. Thus, rereplication can facilitate nucleotide-level mutagenesis in addition to inducing gross chromosomal alterations, broadening its potential role in genome instability.

Control of Eukaryotic DNA Replication Initiation-Mechanisms to Ensure Smooth Transitions

DNA replication differs from most other processes in biology in that any error will irreversibly change the nature of the cellular progeny. DNA replication initiation, therefore, is exquisitely controlled. Deregulation of this control can result in over-replication characterized by repeated initiation events at the same replication origin. Over-replication induces DNA damage and causes genomic instability. The principal mechanism counteracting over-replication in eukaryotes is a division of replication initiation into two steps—licensing and firing—which are temporally separated and occur at distinct cell cycle phases. Here, we review this temporal replication control with a specific focus on mechanisms ensuring the faultless transition between licensing and firing phases.

The dark side of centromeres: types, causes and consequences of structural abnormalities implicating centromeric DNA

Centromeres are the chromosomal domains required to ensure faithful transmission of the genome during cell division. They have a central role in preventing aneuploidy, by orchestrating the assembly of several components required for chromosome separation. However, centromeres also adopt a complex structure that makes them susceptible to being sites of chromosome rearrangements. Therefore, preservation of centromere integrity is a difficult, but important task for the cell. In this review, we discuss how centromeres could potentially be a source of genome instability and how centromere aberrations and rearrangements are linked with human diseases such as cancer.

Break-Induced Replication: The Where, The Why, and The How

Break-induced replication (BIR) is a pathway that repairs one-ended double-strand breaks (DSBs). For decades, yeast model systems offered the only opportunities to study eukaryotic BIR. These studies described an unusual mode of BIR synthesis that is carried out by a migrating bubble and shows conservative inheritance of newly synthesized DNA, leading to genomic instabilities like those associated with cancer in humans. Yet, evidence of BIR functioning in mammals or during repair of other DNA breaks has been missing. Recent studies have uncovered multiple examples of BIR working in replication restart and repair of eroded telomeres in yeast and mammals, as well as some unexpected findings, including the RAD51 independence of BIR. Strong interest remains in determining the variations in molecular mechanisms that drive and regulate BIR in different genetic backgrounds, across organisms, and particularly in the context of human disease.

In Vivo DNA Re-replication Elicits Lethal Tissue Dysplasias

Mammalian DNA replication origins are "licensed" by the loading of DNA helicases, a reaction that is mediated by CDC6 and CDT1 proteins. After initiation of DNA synthesis, CDC6 and CDT1 are inhibited to prevent origin reactivation and DNA overreplication before cell division. CDC6 and CDT1 are highly expressed in many types of cancer cells, but the impact of their deregulated expression had not been investigated in vivo. Here, we have generated mice strains that allow the conditional overexpression of both proteins. Adult mice were unharmed by the individual overexpression of either CDC6 or CDT1, but their combined deregulation led to DNA re-replication in progenitor cells and lethal tissue dysplasias. This study offers mechanistic insights into the necessary cooperation between CDC6 and CDT1 for facilitation of origin reactivation and describes the physiological consequences of DNA overreplication.

Multiple kinases inhibit origin licensing and helicase activation to ensure reductive cell division during meiosis

Meiotic cells undergo a single round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of chromosome segregation (the meiotic divisions) to produce haploid gametes. Both DNA replication and chromosome segregation are similarly regulated by CDK oscillations in mitotic cells. Yet how these two events are uncoupled between the meiotic divisions is unclear. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that meiotic cells inhibit both helicase loading and helicase activation to prevent DNA replication between the meiotic divisions. CDK and the meiosis–specific kinase Ime2 cooperatively inhibit helicase loading, and their simultaneous inhibition allows inappropriate helicase reloading. Further analysis uncovered two previously unknown mechanisms by which Ime2 inhibits helicase loading. Finally, we show that CDK and the polo–like kinase Cdc5 trigger degradation of Sld2, an essential helicase–activation protein. Together, our data demonstrate that multiple kinases inhibit both helicase loading and activation between the meiotic divisions, thereby ensuring reductive cell division.

Role of chromosomal instability in cancer progression

Cancer cells often display chromosomal instability (CIN), a defect that involves loss or rearrangement of the cell's genetic material - chromosomes - during cell division. This process results in the generation of aneuploidy, a deviation from the haploid number of chromosomes, and structural alterations of chromosomes in over 90% of solid tumours and many haematological cancers. This trait is unique to cancer cells as normal cells in the body generally strictly maintain the correct number and structure of chromosomes. This key difference between cancer and normal cells has led to two important hypotheses: (i) cancer cells have had to overcome inherent barriers to changes in chromosomes that are not tolerated in non-cancer cells and (ii) CIN represents a cancer-specific target to allow the specific elimination of cancer cells from the body. To exploit these hypotheses and design novel approaches to treat cancer, a full understanding of the mechanisms driving CIN and how CIN contributes to cancer progression is required. Here, we will discuss the possible mechanisms driving chromosomal instability, how CIN may contribute to the progression at multiple stages of tumour evolution and possible future therapeutic directions based on targeting cancer chromosomal instability.

Replication fork instability and the consequences of fork collisions from rereplication

Replication forks encounter obstacles that must be repaired or bypassed to complete chromosome duplication before cell division. Proteomic analysis of replication forks suggests that the checkpoint and repair machinery travels with unperturbed forks, implying that they are poised to respond to stalling and collapse. However, impaired fork progression still generates aberrations, including repeat copy number instability and chromosome rearrangements. Deregulated origin firing also causes fork instability if a newer fork collides with an older one, generating double-strand breaks (DSBs) and partially rereplicated DNA. Current evidence suggests that multiple mechanisms are used to repair rereplication damage, yet these can have deleterious consequences for genome integrity.

Regulation of Replication Origins

In eukaryotes, genome duplication starts concomitantly at many replication initiation sites termed replication origins. The replication initiation program is spatially and temporally coordinated to ensure accurate, efficient DNA synthesis that duplicates the entire genome while maintaining other chromatin-dependent functions. Unlike in prokaryotes, not all potential replication origins in eukaryotes are needed for complete genome duplication during each cell cycle. Instead, eukaryotic cells vary the use of initiation sites so that only a fraction of potential replication origins initiate replication each cell cycle. Flexibility in origin choice allows each eukaryotic cell type to utilize different initiation sites, corresponding to unique nuclear DNA packaging patterns. These patterns coordinate replication with gene expression and chromatin condensation. Budding yeast replication origins share a consensus sequence that marks potential initiation sites. Metazoan origins, on the other hand, lack a consensus sequence. Rather, they are associated with a collection of structural features, chromatin packaging features, histone modifications, transcription, and DNA-DNA/DNA-protein interactions. These features confer cell type-specific replication and expression and play an essential role in maintaining genomic stability.

Multiple mechanisms contribute to double-strand break repair at rereplication forks in Drosophila follicle cells

Rereplication generates double-strand breaks (DSBs) at sites of fork collisions and causes genomic damage, including repeat instability and chromosomal aberrations. However, the primary mechanism used to repair rereplication DSBs varies across different experimental systems. In Drosophila follicle cells, developmentally regulated rereplication is used to amplify six genomic regions, two of which contain genes encoding eggshell proteins. We have exploited this system to test the roles of several DSB repair pathways during rereplication, using fork progression as a readout for DSB repair efficiency. Here we show that a null mutation in the microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) component, polymerase θ/mutagen-sensitive 308 (mus308), exhibits a sporadic thin eggshell phenotype and reduced chorion gene expression. Unlike other thin eggshell mutants, mus308 displays normal origin firing but reduced fork progression at two regions of rereplication. We also find that MMEJ compensates for loss of nonhomologous end joining to repair rereplication DSBs in a site-specific manner. Conversely, we show that fork progression is enhanced in the absence of both Drosophila Rad51 homologs, spindle-A and spindle-B, revealing homologous recombination is active and actually impairs fork movement during follicle cell rereplication. These results demonstrate that several DSB repair pathways are used during rereplication in the follicle cells and their contribution to productive fork progression is influenced by genomic position and repair pathway competition. Furthermore, our findings illustrate that specific rereplication DSB repair pathways can have major effects on cellular physiology, dependent upon genomic context.