1
|
Baran V, Mayer A. Checkpoint Kinase 1 Is a Key Signal Transducer of DNA Damage in the Early Mammalian Cleavage Embryo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076778. [PMID: 37047751 PMCID: PMC10095474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, remodeling of the oocyte and sperm genome is essential for the successful initiation of mitotic activity in the fertilized oocyte and subsequent proliferative activity of the early embryo. Despite the fact that the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle control in early mammalian embryos are in principle comparable to those in somatic cells, there are differences resulting from the specific nature of the gene totipotency of the blastomeres of early cleavage embryos. In this review, we focus on the Chk1 kinase as a key transduction factor in monitoring the integrity of DNA molecules during early embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Baran
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, 040 00 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Mayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang J, Pi SB, Zhang N, Guo J, Zheng W, Leng L, Lin G, Fan HY. Translation regulatory factor BZW1 regulates preimplantation embryo development and compaction by restricting global non-AUG Initiation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6621. [PMID: 36333315 PMCID: PMC9636173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34427-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is an essential step in gene expression during the development of mammalian preimplantation embryos. This is a complex and highly regulated process. The accuracy of the translation initiation codon is important in various gene expression programs. However, the mechanisms that regulate AUG and non-AUG codon initiation in early embryos remain poorly understood. BZW1 is a key factor in determining the mRNA translation start codon. Here, we show that BZW1 is essential for early embryonic development in mice. Bzw1-knockdown embryos fail to undergo compaction, and show decreased blastocyst formation rates. We also observe defects in the differentiation capacity and implantation potential after Bzw1 interference. Further investigation revealed that Bzw1 knockdown causes the levels of translation initiation with CUG as the start codon to increase. The decline in BZW1 levels result in a decrease in protein synthesis in preimplantation embryos, whereas the total mRNA levels are not altered. Therefore, we concluded that BZW1 contributes to protein synthesis during early embryonic development by restricting non-AUG translational initiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, 410006, Changsha, China
| | - Shuai-Bo Pi
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, 410078, Changsha, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China.
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji YM, Zhang KH, Pan ZN, Ju JQ, Zhang HL, Liu JC, Wang Y, Sun SC. High-dose zearalenone exposure disturbs G2/M transition during mouse oocyte maturation. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:172-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
4
|
Ozturk S. Molecular determinants of the meiotic arrests in mammalian oocytes at different stages of maturation. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:547-571. [PMID: 35072590 PMCID: PMC8942507 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2026704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes undergo two rounds of developmental arrest during maturation: at the diplotene of the first meiotic prophase and metaphase of the second meiosis. These arrests are strictly regulated by follicular cells temporally producing the secondary messengers, cAMP and cGMP, and other factors to regulate maturation promoting factor (composed of cyclin B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1) levels in the oocytes. Out of these normally appearing developmental arrests, permanent arrests may occur in the oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), or metaphase II (MII) stage. This issue may arise from absence or altered expression of the oocyte-related genes playing key roles in nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Additionally, the assisted reproductive technology (ART) applications such as ovarian stimulation and in vitro culture conditions both of which harbor various types of chemical agents may contribute to forming the permanent arrests. In this review, the molecular determinants of developmental and permanent arrests occurring in the mammalian oocytes are comprehensively evaluated in the light of current knowledge. As number of permanently arrested oocytes at different stages is increasing in ART centers, potential approaches for inducing permanent arrests to obtain competent oocytes are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey,CONTACT Saffet Ozturk Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya07070, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pailas A, Niaka K, Zorzompokou C, Marangos P. The DNA Damage Response in Fully Grown Mammalian Oocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050798. [PMID: 35269420 PMCID: PMC8909749 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage in cells can occur physiologically or may be induced by exogenous factors. Genotoxic damage may cause cancer, ageing, serious developmental diseases and anomalies. If the damage occurs in the germline, it can potentially lead to infertility or chromosomal and genetic aberrations in the developing embryo. Mammalian oocytes, the female germ cells, are produced before birth, remaining arrested at the prophase stage of meiosis over a long period of time. During this extensive state of arrest the oocyte may be exposed to different DNA-damaging insults for months, years or even decades. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand how these cells respond to DNA damage. In this review, we summarize the most recent developments in the understanding of the DNA damage response mechanisms that function in fully grown mammalian oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Pailas
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, University Research Centre, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantina Niaka
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, University Research Centre, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Zorzompokou
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, University Research Centre, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Petros Marangos
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, University Research Centre, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology, University of Ioannina Campus, 45115 Ioannina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu XM, Chen F, Wang L, Zhang F, Huo LJ. Checkpoint kinases are required for oocyte meiotic progression by the maintenance of normal spindle structure and chromosome condensation. Exp Cell Res 2021; 405:112657. [PMID: 34081985 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint kinases (Chk) 1/2 are known for DNA damage checkpoint and cell cycle control in somatic cells. According to recent findings, the involvement of Chk1 in oocyte meiotic resumption and Chk2 is regarded as an essential regulator for progression at the post metaphase I stage (MI). In this study, AZD7762 (Chk1/2 inhibitor) and SB218078 (Chk1 inhibitor) were used to uncover the joint roles of Chk1/2 and differentiate the importance of Chk1 and Chk2 during oocyte meiotic maturation. Inhibition of Chk1/2 or Chk1 alone had no significant effect on germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) but significantly inhibited the first polar body (PB1). Interestingly, inhibition of Chk1 alone could not increase or completely block the extrusion of PB1 like Chk1/2 inhibition. Also, Chk1/2 inhibition resulted in defective meiotic spindle organization and chromosome condensation both in MI and metaphase II (MII) stages of oocytes. The location of γ-tubulin and Securin were abnormal or missing, while P38 MAPK was activated by Chk1/2 inhibition. Meanwhile, Chk1/2 inhibition reduced the percentage of the second polar body extrusion and pronuclear formation. In conclusion, our results further understand the functions and regulatory mechanism of Chk1/2 during oocyte meiotic maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China; Reproductive Medicine Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China; Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, 225300, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Jun Huo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pereira C, Smolka MB, Weiss RS, Brieño-Enríquez MA. ATR signaling in mammalian meiosis: From upstream scaffolds to downstream signaling. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:752-766. [PMID: 32725817 PMCID: PMC7747128 DOI: 10.1002/em.22401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In germ cells undergoing meiosis, the induction of double strand breaks (DSBs) is required for the generation of haploid gametes. Defects in the formation, detection, or recombinational repair of DSBs often result in defective chromosome segregation and aneuploidies. Central to the ability of meiotic cells to properly respond to DSBs are DNA damage response (DDR) pathways mediated by DNA damage sensor kinases. DDR signaling coordinates an extensive network of DDR effectors to induce cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, or trigger apoptosis if the damage is extensive. Despite their importance, the functions of DDR kinases and effector proteins during meiosis remain poorly understood and can often be distinct from their known mitotic roles. A key DDR kinase during meiosis is ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR). ATR mediates key signaling events that control DSB repair, cell cycle progression, and meiotic silencing. These meiotic functions of ATR depend on upstream scaffolds and regulators, including the 9-1-1 complex and TOPBP1, and converge on many downstream effectors such as the checkpoint kinase CHK1. Here, we review the meiotic functions of the 9-1-1/TOPBP1/ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway during mammalian meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Marcus B. Smolka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Robert S. Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Miguel A. Brieño-Enríquez
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Corresponding author: ; Phone: 412-641-7531
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li XH, Li WJ, Ju JQ, Pan MH, Xu Y, Sun MH, Li M, Sun SC. CHK2 is essential for spindle assembly and DNA repair during the first cleavage of mouse embryos. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:10415-10426. [PMID: 32484784 PMCID: PMC7346029 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The quality of the early embryo is critical for embryonic development and implantation. Errors during cleavage lead to aneuploidy in embryos. As a cell cycle checkpoint protein, CHK2 participates in DNA replication, cell cycle arrest and spindle assembly. However, the functions of CHK2 in early development of the mouse embryo remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that CHK2 is localized on the spindle in metaphase and mainly accumulates at spindle poles in anaphase/telophase during the first cleavage of the mouse embryo. CHK2 inhibition led to cleavage failure in early embryonic development, accompanied by abnormal spindle assembly and misaligned chromosomes. Moreover, the loss of CHK2 activity increased the level of cellular DNA damage, which resulted in oxidative stress. Then, apoptosis and autophagy were found to be active in these embryos. In summary, our results suggest that CHK2 is an essential regulator of spindle assembly and DNA repair during early embryonic development in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Han Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wen-Jing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jia-Qian Ju
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Meng-Hao Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yao Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ming-Hong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Mo Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shao-Chen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang Y, Zhou H, Shu H, Zhong D, Zhang M, Xia JH. Effect of fasting and subsequent refeeding on the transcriptional profiles of brain in juvenile Spinibarbus hollandi. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214589. [PMID: 30921420 PMCID: PMC6438469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Starvation is a common stress in fish. The underlying molecular mechanisms associated with growth depression caused by feeding restriction and compensatory growth are not well understood. We investigated the effect of fasting and refeeding on the transcriptome profiles of brain in juvenile S. hollandi using RNA-seq. A total of 4.73 × 108 raw reads were obtained from nine brain samples. De novo transcriptome assembly identified 387,085 unigenes with 2.1×109 nucleotides. A total of 936 annotated unigenes showed significantly differential expression among the control, fasting, and fasting-refeeding groups. The down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during fasting were mainly associated with cell cycle, DNA replication, and mitosis. The up-regulated DEGs were mainly related to glucose and lipid metabolism, material transportation, and transcription factors. Most decreased DEGs during fasting were restored to normal levels after refeeding. Comparing with the control group, genes associated with protein synthesis, stimulus response, and carbohydrate metabolism were significantly over-expressed and pro-opio melanocortin (POMC) was down-regulated during the refeeding period. In conclusion, fish mobilized stored energetic materials and reduced energy consumption to prolong survival during fasting. After refeeding, the down-regulation of DEGs, e.g., POMC may be associated with compensatory growth. Up-regulation of DEGs related to ribosomal protein, stimulus response, and carbohydrate metabolism may contribute to eliminate negative effect of starvation on brain. This study provided the first transcriptome data related with impact of short-time starvation and refeeding in S. hollandi brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Huiqiang Zhou
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hu Shu
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (JHX); (HS)
| | - Dongming Zhong
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingqing Zhang
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Hong Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, College of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
- * E-mail: (JHX); (HS)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Novozhylov DO, Karpov PA, Blume YB. Bioinformatic search for Ca2+- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases potentially associated with the regulation of plant cytoskeleton. CYTOL GENET+ 2017. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452717040053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
11
|
Perkel KJ, Tscherner A, Merrill C, Lamarre J, Madan P. The ART of selecting the best embryo: A review of early embryonic mortality and bovine embryo viability assessment methods. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:822-38. [PMID: 26184077 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Animal reproductive biotechnology is continually evolving. Significant advances have been made in our understanding of early embryonic mortality and embryo development in domestic animals, which has improved the selection and success of in vitro technologies. Yet our knowledge is still relatively limited such that identifying a single embryo with the highest chance of survival and development for transfer remains challenging. While invasive methods such as embryo biopsy can provide useful information regarding the genetic status of the embryos, morphological assessment remains the most common evaluation. A recent shift, however, favors alternative, adjunct approaches for non-invasive assessment of an embryo's viability and developmental potential. Various analytical techniques have facilitated the evaluation of cellular health through the metabolome, the assessment of end products of cellular metabolism, or by analyzing spent media for small RNAs. This review discusses the application of noninvasive approaches for ascertaining the health and viability of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. A comparative analysis of noninvasive techniques for embryo assessment currently being investigated in cattle and humans is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Perkel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allison Tscherner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Casandra Merrill
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Lamarre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pavneesh Madan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zannini L, Delia D, Buscemi G. CHK2 kinase in the DNA damage response and beyond. J Mol Cell Biol 2014; 6:442-57. [PMID: 25404613 PMCID: PMC4296918 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mju045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase CHK2 is a key component of the DNA damage response. In human cells, following genotoxic stress, CHK2 is activated and phosphorylates >20 proteins to induce the appropriate cellular response, which, depending on the extent of damage, the cell type, and other factors, could be cell cycle checkpoint activation, induction of apoptosis or senescence, DNA repair, or tolerance of the damage. Recently, CHK2 has also been found to have cellular functions independent of the presence of nuclear DNA lesions. In particular, CHK2 participates in several molecular processes involved in DNA structure modification and cell cycle progression. In this review, we discuss the activity of CHK2 in response to DNA damage and in the maintenance of the biological functions in unstressed cells. These activities are also considered in relation to a possible role of CHK2 in tumorigenesis and, as a consequence, as a target of cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zannini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Delia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Buscemi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|