scholarly journals The ATPase activity of MLH1 is required to orchestrate DNA double-strand breaks and end processing during class switch recombination

2012 ◽  
Vol 209 (4) ◽  
pp. 671-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Chahwan ◽  
Johanna M.M. van Oers ◽  
Elena Avdievich ◽  
Chunfang Zhao ◽  
Winfried Edelmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atpase Activity ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Class Switch Recombination ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Atpase Domain ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Class Switch

Antibody diversification through somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) are similarly initiated in B cells with the generation of U:G mismatches by activation-induced cytidine deaminase but differ in their subsequent mutagenic consequences. Although SHM relies on the generation of nondeleterious point mutations, CSR depends on the production of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their adequate recombination through nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). MLH1, an ATPase member of the mismatch repair (MMR) machinery, is emerging as a likely regulator of whether a U:G mismatch progresses toward mutation or DSB formation. We conducted experiments on cancer modeled ATPase-deficient MLH1G67R knockin mice to determine the function that the ATPase domain of MLH1 mediates in SHM and CSR. Mlh1GR/GR mice displayed a significant decrease in CSR, mainly attributed to a reduction in the generation of DSBs and diminished accumulation of 53BP1 at the immunoglobulin switch regions. However, SHM was normal in these mice, which distinguishes MLH1 from upstream members of the MMR pathway and suggests a very specific role of its ATPase-dependent functions during CSR. In addition, we show that the residual switching events still taking place in Mlh1GR/GR mice display unique features, suggesting a role for the ATPase activity of MLH1 beyond the activation of the endonuclease functions of its MMR partner PMS2. A preference for switch junctions with longer microhomologies in Mlh1GR/GR mice suggests that through its ATPase activity, MLH1 also has an impact in DNA end processing, favoring canonical NHEJ downstream of the DSB. Collectively, our study shows that the ATPase domain of MLH1 is important to transmit the CSR signaling cascade both upstream and downstream of the generation of DSBs.

scholarly journals MBD4 Facilitates Immunoglobulin Class Switch Recombination

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Grigera ◽  
Robert Wuerffel ◽  
Amy L. Kenter
Keyword(s):  
Excision Repair ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Class Switch Recombination ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Class Switch ◽  
Activation Induced Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Base Excision

ABSTRACT Immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch recombination (CSR) requires targeted formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in repetitive switch region elements followed by ligation between distal breaks. The introduction of DSBs is initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) and requires base excision repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR). The BER enzyme methyl-CpG binding domain protein 4 (MBD4) has been linked to the MMR pathway through its interaction with MutL homologue 1 (MLH1). We find that when Mbd4 exons 6 to 8 are deleted in a switching B cell line, DSB formation is severely reduced and CSR frequency is impaired. Impaired CSR can be rescued by ectopic expression of Mbd4. Mbd4 deficiency yields a deficit in DNA end processing similar to that found in MutS homologue 2 (Msh2)- and Mlh1-deficient B cells. We demonstrate that microhomology-rich S-S junctions are enriched in cells in which Mbd4 is deleted. Our studies suggest that Mbd4 is a component of MMR-directed DNA end processing.

scholarly journals Indirect and direct evidence for DNA double–strand breaks in hypermutating immunoglobulin genes

2001 ◽  
Vol 356 (1405) ◽  
pp. 119-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heinz Jacobs ◽  
Klaus Rajewsky ◽  
Yosho Fukita ◽  
Linda Bross
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Gene Segment ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Antigen Receptor ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Mouse Strains ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Receptor Repertoire ◽  
Igh Locus

The generation of a diverse antigen receptor repertoire is fundamental for the functionality of the adaptive immune system. While the V(D)J recombination process that generates the primary antigen receptor repertoire is understood in great detail, it is still unclear by which mechanism immunoglobulin (Ig) genes are further diversified by somatic hypermutation. Using mouse strains that carry a non–functional, predefined V H D H J H gene segment in their IgH locus we demonstrate DNA double–strand breaks (DSBs) in and around V H D H J H in B cells undergoing somatic hypermutation. The generation of these DSBs depends on transcriptional activity, and their distribution along the V H D H J H segment parallels that of point mutations in the hypermutation domain. Furthermore, similar to hot spots of somatic hypermutation, 50–60% of all DSBs occur preferentially at RGYW motifs. DSBs may transiently dissociate the Ig promoter from the intronic enhancer to block further transcription and to initiate an error–prone nonhomologous DSB repair pathway. In accord with this model large deletions are frequently produced, along with point mutations, in a V H D H J H segment inserted together with its promoter into the IgH locus in inverted orientation. Our data suggest that DSBs are reaction intermediates of the mechanism underlying somatic hypermutation.

scholarly journals Regulation of class switch recombination and somatic mutation by AID phosphorylation

2008 ◽  
Vol 205 (11) ◽  
pp. 2585-2594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M. McBride ◽  
Anna Gazumyan ◽  
Eileen M. Woo ◽  
Tanja A. Schwickert ◽  
Brian T. Chait ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Mutation ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Class Switch Recombination ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Class Switching ◽  
Class Switch

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a mutator enzyme that initiates somatic mutation and class switch recombination in B lymphocytes by introducing uracil:guanine mismatches into DNA. Repair pathways process these mismatches to produce point mutations in the Ig variable region or double-stranded DNA breaks in the switch region DNA. However, AID can also produce off-target DNA damage, including mutations in oncogenes. Therefore, stringent regulation of AID is required for maintaining genomic stability during maturation of the antibody response. It has been proposed that AID phosphorylation at serine 38 (S38) regulates its activity, but this has not been tested in vivo. Using a combination of mass spectrometry and immunochemical approaches, we found that in addition to S38, AID is also phosphorylated at position threonine 140 (T140). Mutation of either S38 or T140 to alanine does not impact catalytic activity, but interferes with class switching and somatic hypermutation in vivo. This effect is particularly pronounced in haploinsufficient mice where AID levels are limited. Although S38 is equally important for both processes, T140 phosphorylation preferentially affects somatic mutation, suggesting that posttranslational modification might contribute to the choice between hypermutation and class switching.

scholarly journals Involvement of Artemis in nonhomologous end-joining during immunoglobulin class switch recombination

2008 ◽  
Vol 205 (13) ◽  
pp. 3031-3040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Likun Du ◽  
Mirjam van der Burg ◽  
Sergey W. Popov ◽  
Ashwin Kotnis ◽  
Jacques J.M. van Dongen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Class Switch Recombination ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Nonhomologous End Joining ◽  
Igg Subclass ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Immunoglobulin Class ◽  
Class Switch ◽  
Human B Cells

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) introduced in the switch (S) regions are intermediates during immunoglobulin class switch recombination (CSR). These breaks are subsequently recognized, processed, and joined, leading to recombination of the two S regions. Nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) is believed to be the principle mechanism involved in DSB repair during CSR. One important component in NHEJ, Artemis, has however been considered to be dispensable for efficient CSR. In this study, we have characterized the S recombinational junctions from Artemis-deficient human B cells. Sμ–Sα junctions could be amplified from all patients tested and were characterized by a complete lack of “direct” end-joining and a remarkable shift in the use of an alternative, microhomology-based end-joining pathway. Sμ–Sγ junctions could only be amplified from one patient who carries “hypomorphic” mutations. Although these Sμ–Sγ junctions appear to be normal, a significant increase of an unusual type of sequential switching from immunoglobulin (Ig)M, through one IgG subclass, to a different IgG subclass was observed, and the Sγ–Sγ junctions showed long microhomologies. Thus, when the function of Artemis is impaired, varying modes of CSR junction resolution may be used for different S regions. Our findings strongly link Artemis to the predominant NHEJ pathway during CSR.

scholarly journals DNA-PKcs and Artemis function in the end-joining phase of immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch recombination

2008 ◽  
Vol 205 (3) ◽  
pp. 557-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Franco ◽  
Michael M. Murphy ◽  
Gang Li ◽  
Tiffany Borjeson ◽  
Cristian Boboila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Class Switch Recombination ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Class Switch ◽  
Chromosomal Breaks ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Activation Conditions

The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and Artemis are classical nonhomologous DNA end-joining (C-NHEJ) factors required for joining a subset of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), particularly those requiring end processing. In mature B cells, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) initiates class switch recombination (CSR) by introducing lesions into S regions upstream of two recombining CH exons, which are processed into DSBs and rejoined by C-NHEJ to complete CSR. The function of DNA-PKcs in CSR has been controversial with some reports but not others showing that DNA-PKcs–deficient mice are significantly impaired for CSR. Artemis-deficient B cells reportedly undergo CSR at normal levels. Overall, it is still not known whether there are any CSR-associated DSBs that require DNA-PKcs and/or Artemis to be joined. Here, we have used an immunoglobulin (Ig)H locus-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization assay to unequivocally demonstrate that both DNA-PKcs and, unexpectedly, Artemis are necessary for joining a subset of AID-dependent DSBs. In the absence of either factor, B cells activated for CSR frequently generate AID-dependent IgH locus chromosomal breaks and translocations. We also find that under specific activation conditions, DNA-PKcs−/− B cells with chromosomal breaks are eliminated or at least prevented from progressing to metaphase via a p53-dependent response.

scholarly journals 53BP1 is required for class switch recombination

2004 ◽  
Vol 165 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene M. Ward ◽  
Bernardo Reina-San-Martin ◽  
Alexandru Olaru ◽  
Kay Minn ◽  
Koji Tamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Class Switch Recombination ◽  
Cell Cycle Checkpoint ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Nonhomologous End Joining ◽  
Checkpoint Control ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Class Switch ◽  
Cycle Checkpoint

53BP1 participates early in the DNA damage response and is involved in cell cycle checkpoint control. Moreover, the phenotype of mice and cells deficient in 53BP1 suggests a defect in DNA repair (Ward et al., 2003b). Therefore, we asked whether or not 53BP1 would be required for the efficient repair of DNA double strand breaks. Our data indicate that homologous recombination by gene conversion does not depend on 53BP1. Moreover, 53BP1-deficient mice support normal V(D)J recombination, indicating that 53BP1 is not required for “classic” nonhomologous end joining. However, class switch recombination is severely impaired in the absence of 53BP1, suggesting that 53BP1 facilitates DNA end joining in a way that is not required or redundant for the efficient closing of RAG-induced strand breaks. These findings are similar to those observed in mice or cells deficient in the tumor suppressors ATM and H2AX, further suggesting that the functions of ATM, H2AX, and 53BP1 are closely linked.

scholarly journals Generating and repairing genetically programmed DNA breaks during immunoglobulin class switch recombination

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Nicolas ◽  
Montserrat Cols ◽  
Jee Eun Choi ◽  
Jayanta Chaudhuri ◽  
Bao Vuong
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Class Switch Recombination ◽  
Affinity Maturation ◽  
Genomic Integrity ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Directed Mutation ◽  
Class Switch

Adaptive immune responses require the generation of a diverse repertoire of immunoglobulins (Igs) that can recognize and neutralize a seemingly infinite number of antigens. V(D)J recombination creates the primary Ig repertoire, which subsequently is modified by somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR). SHM promotes Ig affinity maturation whereas CSR alters the effector function of the Ig. Both SHM and CSR require activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to produce dU:dG mismatches in the Ig locus that are transformed into untemplated mutations in variable coding segments during SHM or DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in switch regions during CSR. Within the Ig locus, DNA repair pathways are diverted from their canonical role in maintaining genomic integrity to permit AID-directed mutation and deletion of gene coding segments. Recently identified proteins, genes, and regulatory networks have provided new insights into the temporally and spatially coordinated molecular interactions that control the formation and repair of DSBs within the Ig locus. Unravelling the genetic program that allows B cells to selectively alter the Ig coding regions while protecting non-Ig genes from DNA damage advances our understanding of the molecular processes that maintain genomic integrity as well as humoral immunity.

scholarly journals DNA Double-Strand Breaks

2002 ◽  
Vol 195 (9) ◽  
pp. 1187-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Bross ◽  
Masamichi Muramatsu ◽  
Kazuo Kinoshita ◽  
Tasuku Honjo ◽  
Heinz Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Excision Repair ◽  
Cytidine Deaminase ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Similar Frequency ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Substrate Model

The activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is required for somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class-switch recombination (CSR) of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes, both of which are associated with DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). As AID is capable of deaminating deoxy-cytidine (dC) to deoxy-uracil (dU), it might induce nicks (single strand DNA breaks) and also DNA DSBs via a U-DNA glycosylase-mediated base excision repair pathway (‘DNA-substrate model’). Alternatively, AID functions like its closest homologue Apobec1 as a catalytic subunit of a RNA editing holoenzyme (‘RNA-substrate model’). Although rearranged Vλ genes are preferred targets of SHM we found that germinal center (GC) B cells of AID-proficient and -deficient Vλ1-expressing GC B cells display a similar frequency, distribution, and sequence preference of DSBs in rearranged and also in germline Vλ1 genes. The possible roles of DSBs in relation to AID function and SHM are discussed.

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