scholarly journals Non-homologous end joining minimizes errors by coordinating DNA processing with ligation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin M. Stinson ◽  
Andrew T. Moreno ◽  
Johannes C. Walter ◽  
Joseph J. Loparo
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Short Range ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Synaptic Complex ◽  
Processing Enzymes ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Dna Ends

Genome stability requires efficient and faithful repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The predominant DSB repair pathway in human cells is non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), which directly ligates DNA ends1–5. Broken DNA ends at DSBs are chemically diverse, and many are not compatible for direct ligation by the NHEJ-associated DNA Ligase IV (Lig4). To solve this problem, NHEJ end-processing enzymes including polymerases and nucleases modify ends until they are ligatable. How cells regulate end processing to minimize unnecessary genomic alterations6 during repair of pathological DSBs remains unknown. Using a biochemical system that recapitulates key features of cellular NHEJ, we previously demonstrated that DNA ends are initially tethered at a distance, followed by Lig4-mediated formation of a “short-range synaptic complex” in which DNA ends are closely aligned for ligation7. Here, we show that a wide variety of end-processing activities all depend on formation of the short-range complex. Moreover, using real-time single molecule imaging, we find that end processing occurs within the short-range complex. Confining end processing to the Lig4-dependent short-range synaptic complex promotes immediate ligation of compatible ends and ensures that incompatible ends are ligated as soon as they become compatible, thereby minimizing end processing. Our results elucidate how NHEJ exploits end processing to achieve versatility while minimizing errors that cause genome instability.

scholarly journals Structural mechanism of DNA-end synapsis in the non-homologous end joining pathway for repairing double-strand breaks: bridge over troubled ends

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1609-1619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Wu
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Structural Mechanism ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Single Molecule Studies ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Dna Ends

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is a major repair pathway for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which is the most toxic DNA damage in cells. Unrepaired DSBs can cause genome instability, tumorigenesis or cell death. DNA end synapsis is the first and probably the most important step of the NHEJ pathway, aiming to bring two broken DNA ends close together and provide structural stability for end processing and ligation. This process is mediated through a group of NHEJ proteins forming higher-order complexes, to recognise and bridge two DNA ends. Spatial and temporal understanding of the structural mechanism of DNA-end synapsis has been largely advanced through recent structural and single-molecule studies of NHEJ proteins. This review focuses on core NHEJ proteins that mediate DNA end synapsis through their unique structures and interaction properties, as well as how they play roles as anchor and linker proteins during the process of ‘bridge over troubled ends'.

scholarly journals XLF acts as a flexible connector during non-homologous end joining

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M. Carney ◽  
Andrew T. Moreno ◽  
Sadie C. Piatt ◽  
Metztli Cisneros-Aguirre ◽  
Felicia Wednesday Lopezcolorado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Synaptic Complex ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Dna Ends

AbstractNon-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant pathway that repairs DNA double strand breaks in vertebrates. During NHEJ DNA ends are held together by a multi-protein synaptic complex until they are ligated. Here we investigate the role of the intrinsically disordered C-terminal tail of XLF, a critical factor in end synapsis. We demonstrate that the XLF tail along with the Ku binding motif (KBM) at the extreme C-terminus are required for end joining. While the underlying sequence of the tail can be varied, a minimal tail length is required for NHEJ. Single-molecule FRET experiments that observe end synapsis in real-time show that this defect is due to a failure to closely align DNA ends. Our data supports a model in which a single C-terminal tail tethers XLF to Ku while allowing XLF to form interactions with XRCC4 that enable synaptic complex formation.

scholarly journals XLF acts as a flexible connector during non-homologous end joining

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M Carney ◽  
Andrew T Moreno ◽  
Sadie C Piatt ◽  
Metztli Cisneros-Aguirre ◽  
Felicia Wednesday Lopezcolorado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Synaptic Complex ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Dna Ends

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant pathway that repairs DNA double-strand breaks in vertebrates. During NHEJ DNA ends are held together by a multi-protein synaptic complex until they are ligated. Here, we use Xenopus laevis egg extract to investigate the role of the intrinsically disordered C-terminal tail of the XRCC4-like factor (XLF), a critical factor in end synapsis. We demonstrate that the XLF tail along with the Ku-binding motif (KBM) at the extreme C-terminus are required for end joining. Although the underlying sequence of the tail can be varied, a minimal tail length is required for NHEJ. Single-molecule FRET experiments that observe end synapsis in real-time show that this defect is due to a failure to closely align DNA ends. Our data supports a model in which a single C-terminal tail tethers XLF to Ku, while allowing XLF to form interactions with XRCC4 that enable synaptic complex formation.

scholarly journals To Join or Not to Join: Decision Points Along the Pathway to Double-Strand Break Repair vs. Chromosome End Protection

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Ackerson ◽  
Carlan Romney ◽  
P. Logan Schuck ◽  
Jason A. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Decision Points ◽  
Chromosome Fusions ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Dna Ends

The regulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and telomeres are diametrically opposed in the cell. DSBs are considered one of the most deleterious forms of DNA damage and must be quickly recognized and repaired. Telomeres, on the other hand, are specialized, stable DNA ends that must be protected from recognition as DSBs to inhibit unwanted chromosome fusions. Decisions to join DNA ends, or not, are therefore critical to genome stability. Yet, the processing of telomeres and DSBs share many commonalities. Accordingly, key decision points are used to shift DNA ends toward DSB repair vs. end protection. Additionally, DSBs can be repaired by two major pathways, namely homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The choice of which repair pathway is employed is also dictated by a series of decision points that shift the break toward HR or NHEJ. In this review, we will focus on these decision points and the mechanisms that dictate end protection vs. DSB repair and DSB repair choice.

scholarly journals cGAS guards against chromosome end-to-end fusions during mitosis and facilitates replicative senescence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaocui Li ◽  
Xiaojuan Li ◽  
Chen Xie ◽  
Sihui Cai ◽  
Mengqiu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Mitotic Chromosome ◽  
Replicative Senescence ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
End To End ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Sting Pathway

AbstractAs a sensor of cytosolic DNA, the role of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) in innate immune response is well established, yet how its functions in different biological conditions remain to be elucidated. Here, we identify cGAS as an essential regulator in inhibiting mitotic DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and protecting short telomeres from end-to-end fusion independent of the canonical cGAS-STING pathway. cGAS associates with telomeric/subtelomeric DNA during mitosis when TRF1/TRF2/POT1 are deficient on telomeres. Depletion of cGAS leads to mitotic chromosome end-to-end fusions predominantly occurring between short telomeres. Mechanistically, cGAS interacts with CDK1 and positions them to chromosome ends. Thus, CDK1 inhibits mitotic non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by blocking the recruitment of RNF8. cGAS-deficient human primary cells are defective in entering replicative senescence and display chromosome end-to-end fusions, genome instability and prolonged growth arrest. Altogether, cGAS safeguards genome stability by controlling mitotic DSB repair to inhibit mitotic chromosome end-to-end fusions, thus facilitating replicative senescence.

scholarly journals Loss of Cdc13 causes genome instability by a deficiency in replication-dependent telomere capping

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E Langston ◽  
Dominic Palazzola ◽  
Erin Bonnell ◽  
Raymund J. Wellinger ◽  
Ted Weinert
Keyword(s):  
Homologous Recombination ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Chromosome Instability ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Telomere Capping ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

AbstractIn budding yeast, Cdc13, Stn1, and Ten1 form a telomere binding heterotrimer dubbed CST. Here we investigate the role of Cdc13/CST in maintaining genome stability, using a Chr VII disome system that can generate recombinants, loss, and enigmatic unstable chromosomes. In cells expressing a temperature sensitive CDC13 allele, cdc13F684S, unstable chromosomes frequently arise due to problems in or near a telomere. Hence, when Cdc13 is defective, passage through S phase causes Exo1-dependent ssDNA and unstable chromosomes, which then are the source for whole chromosome instability events (e.g. recombinants, chromosome truncations, dicentrics, and/or loss). Specifically, genome instability arises from a defect in Cdc13’s replication-dependent telomere capping function, not Cdc13s putative post-replication telomere capping function. Furthermore, the unstable chromosomes form without involvement of homologous recombination nor non-homologous end joining. Our data suggest that a Cdc13/CST defect in semi-conservative replication near the telomere leads to ssDNA and unstable chromosomes, which then are lost or subject to complex rearrangements. This system defines a links between replication-dependent chromosome capping and genome stability in the form of unstable chromosomes.

scholarly journals Canonical non-homologous end-joining promotes genome mutagenesis and translocations induced by transcription-associated DNA topoisomerase 2 activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (16) ◽  
pp. 9147-9160
Author(s):  
Joaquín Olmedo-Pelayo ◽  
Diana Rubio-Contreras ◽  
Fernando Gómez-Herreros
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Topoisomerase Ii ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Metabolic Enzyme ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dna Topoisomerase ◽  
Transient Complex ◽  
Topoisomerase 2 ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

Abstract DNA topoisomerase II (TOP2) is a major DNA metabolic enzyme, with important roles in replication, transcription, chromosome segregation and spatial organisation of the genome. TOP2 is the target of a class of anticancer drugs that poison the DNA-TOP2 transient complex to generate TOP2-linked DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The accumulation of DSBs kills tumour cells but can also result in genome instability. The way in which topoisomerase activity contributes to transcription remains unclear. In this work we have investigated how transcription contributes to TOP2-dependent DSB formation, genome instability and cell death. Our results demonstrate that gene transcription is an important source of abortive TOP2 activity. However, transcription does not contribute significantly to apoptosis or cell death promoted by TOP2-induced DSBs. On the contrary: transcription-dependent breaks greatly contribute to deleterious mutations and translocations, and can promote oncogenic rearrangements. Importantly, we show that TOP2-induced genome instability is mediated by mutagenic canonical non-homologous end joining whereas homologous recombination protects cells against these insults. Collectively, these results uncover mechanisms behind deleterious effects of TOP2 abortive activity during transcription, with relevant implications for chemotherapy.

Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks by the Nonhomologous End Joining Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin M. Stinson ◽  
Joseph J. Loparo
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Nonhomologous End Joining ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Break Site ◽  
Dna Ends

DNA double-strand breaks pose a serious threat to genome stability. In vertebrates, these breaks are predominantly repaired by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), which pairs DNA ends in a multiprotein synaptic complex to promote their direct ligation. NHEJ is a highly versatile pathway that uses an array of processing enzymes to modify damaged DNA ends and enable their ligation. The mechanisms of end synapsis and end processing have important implications for genome stability. Rapid and stable synapsis is necessary to limit chromosome translocations that result from the mispairing of DNA ends. Furthermore, end processing must be tightly regulated to minimize mutations at the break site. Here, we review our current mechanistic understanding of vertebrate NHEJ, with a particular focus on end synapsis and processing. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 90 is June 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

scholarly journals Meiotic DNA repair in the nucleolus employs a non-homologous end joining mechanism

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Sims ◽  
Gregory P. Copenhaver ◽  
Peter Schlögelhofer
Keyword(s):  
Genome Stability ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Meiotic Dsbs ◽  
Dna Elements ◽  
Highly Repetitive Dna ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

AbstractRibosomal RNA genes are arranged in large arrays with hundreds of rDNA units in tandem. These highly repetitive DNA elements pose a risk to genome stability since they can undergo non-allelic exchanges. During meiosis DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are induced as part of the regular program to generate gametes. Meiotic DSBs initiate homologous recombination (HR) which subsequently ensures genetic exchange and chromosome disjunction.In Arabidopsis thaliana we demonstrate that all 45S rDNA arrays become transcriptionally active and are recruited into the nucleolus early in meiosis. This shields the rDNA from acquiring canonical meiotic chromatin modifications, meiotic cohesin and meiosis-specific DSBs. DNA breaks within the rDNA arrays are repaired in a RAD51-independent, but LIG4-dependent manner, establishing that it is non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) that maintains rDNA integrity during meiosis. Utilizing ectopically integrated rDNA repeats we validate our findings and demonstrate that the rDNA constitutes a HR-refractory genome environment.

scholarly journals ATM antagonizes NHEJ proteins assembly and DNA-ends synapsis at single-ended DNA double strand breaks

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (17) ◽  
pp. 9710-9723
Author(s):  
Sébastien Britton ◽  
Pauline Chanut ◽  
Christine Delteil ◽  
Nadia Barboule ◽  
Philippe Frit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Repair Pathways ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining ◽  
Dna Strand ◽  
Dna Ends

Abstract Two DNA repair pathways operate at DNA double strand breaks (DSBs): non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), that requires two adjacent DNA ends for ligation, and homologous recombination (HR), that resects one DNA strand for invasion of a homologous duplex. Faithful repair of replicative single-ended DSBs (seDSBs) is mediated by HR, due to the lack of a second DNA end for end-joining. ATM stimulates resection at such breaks through multiple mechanisms including CtIP phosphorylation, which also promotes removal of the DNA-ends sensor and NHEJ protein Ku. Here, using a new method for imaging the recruitment of the Ku partner DNA-PKcs at DSBs, we uncover an unanticipated role of ATM in removing DNA-PKcs from seDSBs in human cells. Phosphorylation of DNA-PKcs on the ABCDE cluster is necessary not only for DNA-PKcs clearance but also for the subsequent MRE11/CtIP-dependent release of Ku from these breaks. We propose that at seDSBs, ATM activity is necessary for the release of both Ku and DNA-PKcs components of the NHEJ apparatus, and thereby prevents subsequent aberrant interactions between seDSBs accompanied by DNA-PKcs autophosphorylation and detrimental commitment to Lig4-dependent end-joining.

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