scholarly journals Physiological Roles of DNA Double-Strand Breaks

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhaan A. Khan ◽  
Syed O. Ali
Keyword(s):  
Double Helix ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Genomic Integrity ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Spatiotemporal Regulation ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break

Genomic integrity is constantly threatened by sources of DNA damage, internal and external alike. Among the most cytotoxic lesions is the DNA double-strand break (DSB) which arises from the cleavage of both strands of the double helix. Cells boast a considerable set of defences to both prevent and repair these breaks and drugs which derail these processes represent an important category of anticancer therapeutics. And yet, bizarrely, cells deploy this very machinery for the intentional and calculated disruption of genomic integrity, harnessing potentially destructive DSBs in delicate genetic transactions. Under tight spatiotemporal regulation, DSBs serve as a tool for genetic modification, widely used across cellular biology to generate diverse functionalities, ranging from the fundamental upkeep of DNA replication, transcription, and the chromatin landscape to the diversification of immunity and the germline. Growing evidence points to a role of aberrant DSB physiology in human disease and an understanding of these processes may both inform the design of new therapeutic strategies and reduce off-target effects of existing drugs. Here, we review the wide-ranging roles of physiological DSBs and the emerging network of their multilateral regulation to consider how the cell is able to harness DNA breaks as a critical biochemical tool.

scholarly journals BLM helicase regulates DNA repair by counteracting RAD51 loading at DNA double-strand break sites

2017 ◽  
Vol 216 (11) ◽  
pp. 3521-3534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dharm S. Patel ◽  
Sarah M. Misenko ◽  
Joonyoung Her ◽  
Samuel F. Bunting
Keyword(s):  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Genomic Integrity ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
General Importance ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Dna Replication And Repair ◽  
In Cells

The BLM gene product, BLM, is a RECQ helicase that is involved in DNA replication and repair of DNA double-strand breaks by the homologous recombination (HR) pathway. During HR, BLM has both pro- and anti-recombinogenic activities, either of which may contribute to maintenance of genomic integrity. We find that in cells expressing a mutant version of BRCA1, an essential HR factor, ablation of BLM rescues genomic integrity and cell survival in the presence of DNA double-strand breaks. Improved genomic integrity in these cells is linked to a substantial increase in the stability of RAD51 at DNA double-strand break sites and in the overall efficiency of HR. Ablation of BLM also rescues RAD51 foci and HR in cells lacking BRCA2 or XRCC2. These results indicate that the anti-recombinase activity of BLM is of general importance for normal retention of RAD51 at DNA break sites and regulation of HR.

scholarly journals i-BLESS is an ultra-sensitive method for detection of DNA double-strand breaks

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Biernacka ◽  
Yingjie Zhu ◽  
Magdalena Skrzypczak ◽  
Romain Forey ◽  
Benjamin Pardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Universal Method ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Agarose Beads ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break

AbstractMaintenance of genome stability is a key issue for cell fate that could be compromised by chromosome deletions and translocations caused by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Thus development of precise and sensitive tools for DSBs labeling is of great importance for understanding mechanisms of DSB formation, their sensing and repair. Until now there has been no high resolution and specific DSB detection technique that would be applicable to any cells regardless of their size. Here, we present i-BLESS, a universal method for direct genome-wide DNA double-strand break labeling in cells immobilized in agarose beads. i-BLESS has three key advantages: it is the only unbiased method applicable to yeast, achieves a sensitivity of one break at a given position in 100,000 cells, and eliminates background noise while still allowing for fixation of samples. The method allows detection of ultra-rare breaks such as those forming spontaneously at G-quadruplexes.

scholarly journals Genetic Separation of Sae2 Nuclease Activity from Mre11 Nuclease Functions in Budding Yeast

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sucheta Arora ◽  
Rajashree A. Deshpande ◽  
Martin Budd ◽  
Judy Campbell ◽  
America Revere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclease Activity ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Endonuclease Activity ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Breaks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Ends

ABSTRACT Sae2 promotes the repair of DNA double-strand breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The role of Sae2 is linked to the Mre11/Rad50/Xrs2 (MRX) complex, which is important for the processing of DNA ends into single-stranded substrates for homologous recombination. Sae2 has intrinsic endonuclease activity, but the role of this activity has not been assessed independently from its functions in promoting Mre11 nuclease activity. Here we identify and characterize separation-of-function mutants that lack intrinsic nuclease activity or the ability to promote Mre11 endonucleolytic activity. We find that the ability of Sae2 to promote MRX nuclease functions is important for DNA damage survival, particularly in the absence of Dna2 nuclease activity. In contrast, Sae2 nuclease activity is essential for DNA repair when the Mre11 nuclease is compromised. Resection of DNA breaks is impaired when either Sae2 activity is blocked, suggesting roles for both Mre11 and Sae2 nuclease activities in promoting the processing of DNA ends in vivo. Finally, both activities of Sae2 are important for sporulation, indicating that the processing of meiotic breaks requires both Mre11 and Sae2 nuclease activities.

scholarly journals Repair Kinetics of Genomic Interstrand DNA Cross-Links: Evidence for DNA Double-Strand Break-Dependent Activation of the Fanconi Anemia/BRCA Pathway

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Rothfuss ◽  
Markus Grompe
Keyword(s):  
Fanconi Anemia ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Subsequent Formation ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Cross Links ◽  
Kinetics Of

ABSTRACT The detailed mechanisms of DNA interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair and the involvement of the Fanconi anemia (FA)/BRCA pathway in this process are not known. Present models suggest that recognition and repair of ICL in human cells occur primarily during the S phase. Here we provide evidence for a refined model in which ICLs are recognized and are rapidly incised by ERCC1/XPF independent of DNA replication. However, the incised ICLs are then processed further and DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) form exclusively in the S phase. FA cells are fully proficient in the sensing and incision of ICL as well as in the subsequent formation of DSB, suggesting a role of the FA/BRCA pathway downstream in ICL repair. In fact, activation of FANCD2 occurs slowly after ICL treatment and correlates with the appearance of DSB in the S phase. In contrast, activation is rapid after ionizing radiation, indicating that the FA/BRCA pathway is specifically activated upon DSB formation. Furthermore, the formation of FANCD2 foci is restricted to a subpopulation of cells, which can be labeled by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. We therefore conclude that the FA/BRCA pathway, while being dispensable for the early events in ICL repair, is activated in S-phase cells after DSB have formed.

scholarly journals RAP80 suppresses the vulnerability of R-loops during DNA double-strand break repair

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaaki Yasuhara ◽  
Reona Kato ◽  
Motohiro Yamauchi ◽  
Yuki Uchihara ◽  
Lee Zou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Regions ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Chromosome Translocations ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break

AbstractR-loops, consisting of ssDNA and DNA-RNA hybrids, are potentially vulnerable unless they are appropriately processed. Recent evidence suggests that R-loops can form in the proximity of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) within transcriptionally active regions. Yet, how the vulnerability of R-loops is overcome during DSB repair remains unclear. Here, we identify RAP80 as a factor suppressing the vulnerability of ssDNA in R-loops and chromosome translocations and deletions during DSB repair. Mechanistically, RAP80 prevents unscheduled nucleolytic processing of ssDNA in R-loops by CtIP. This mechanism promotes efficient DSB repair via transcription-associated end-joining dependent on BRCA1, Polθ, and LIG1/3. Thus, RAP80 suppresses the vulnerability of R-loops during DSB repair, thereby precluding genomic abnormalities in a critical component of the genome caused by deleterious R-loop processing.

scholarly journals Regulation of DNA Double-Strand Break Repair by Non-Coding RNAs

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roopa Thapar
Keyword(s):  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Protein Dna Interactions ◽  
Damage Response ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are deleterious lesions that are generated in response to ionizing radiation or replication fork collapse that can lead to genomic instability and cancer.  Eukaryotes have evolved two major pathways, namely homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) to repair DSBs.  Whereas the roles of protein-DNA interactions in HR and NHEJ have been fairly well defined, the functions of small and long non-coding RNAs and RNA-DNA hybrids in the DNA damage response is just beginning to be elucidated.  This review summarizes recent discoveries on the identification of non-coding RNAs and RNA-mediated regulation of DSB repair

scholarly journals Staphylococcal DNA repair is required for infection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kam Pou Ha ◽  
Rebecca S. Clarke ◽  
Gyu-Lee Kim ◽  
Jane L. Brittan ◽  
Jessica E. Rowley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Blood ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Reporter System ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Fluorescent Reporter ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Transposon Mutants

AbstractThe repair of DNA damage is essential for bacterial viability and contributes to adaptation via increased rates of mutation and recombination. However, the mechanisms by which DNA is damaged and repaired during infection are poorly understood. Using a panel of transposon mutants, we identified the rexBA operon as important for the survival of Staphylococcus aureus in whole human blood. Mutants lacking rexB were also attenuated for virulence in murine models of both systemic and skin infections. We then demonstrated that RexAB is a member of the AddAB family of helicase/nuclease complexes responsible for initiating the repair of DNA double strand breaks. Using a fluorescent reporter system, we were able to show that neutrophils cause staphylococcal DNA double strand breaks via the oxidative burst, which are repaired by RexAB, leading to induction of the mutagenic SOS response. We found that RexAB homologues in Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus gordonii also promoted survival of these pathogens in human blood, suggesting that DNA double strand break repair is required for Gram-positive bacteria to survive in host tissues. Together, these data demonstrate that DNA is a target of host immune cells, leading to double-strand breaks, and that repair of this damage by an AddAB-family enzyme enables the survival of Gram-positive pathogens during infection.

Regulation of the cellular DNA double-strand break response

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 663-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendra L. Cann ◽  
Geoffrey G. Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Cell Cycle Checkpoints ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Cellular Dna

DNA double-strand breaks occur frequently in cycling cells, and are also induced by exogenous sources, including ionizing radiation. Cells have developed integrated double-strand break response pathways to cope with these lesions, including pathways that initiate DNA repair (either via homologous recombination or nonhomologous end joining), the cell-cycle checkpoints (G1–S, intra-S phase, and G2–M) that provide time for repair, and apoptosis. However, before any of these pathways can be activated, the damage must first be recognized. In this review, we will discuss how the response of mammalian cells to DNA double-strand breaks is regulated, beginning with the activation of ATM, the pinnacle kinase of the double-strand break signalling cascade.

scholarly journals Regulation of DNA Double-Strand Break Repair by Non-Coding RNAs

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roopa Thapar
Keyword(s):  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Protein Dna Interactions ◽  
Damage Response ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Non Homologous End Joining

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are deleterious lesions that are generated in response to ionizing radiation or replication fork collapse that can lead to genomic instability and cancer. Eukaryotes have evolved two major pathways, namely homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) to repair DSBs. Whereas the roles of protein-DNA interactions in HR and NHEJ have been fairly well defined, the functions of small and long non-coding RNAs and RNA-DNA hybrids in the DNA damage response is just beginning to be elucidated. This review summarizes recent discoveries on the identification of non-coding RNAs and RNA-mediated regulation of DSB repair.

scholarly journals The mRNA export adaptor Yra1 contributes to DNA double-strand break repair through its C-box domain

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Infantino ◽  
Evelina Tutucci ◽  
Noël Yeh Martin ◽  
Audrey Zihlmann ◽  
Varinia García-Molinero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Export ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Nuclear Pores ◽  
Dsb Repair ◽  
Telomere Shortening ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Break ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved

ABSTRACTYra1 is an mRNA export adaptor involved in mRNA biogenesis and export in S. cerevisiae. Yra1 overexpression was recently shown to promote accumulation of DNA:RNA hybrids favoring DNA double strand breaks (DSB), cell senescence and telomere shortening, via an unknown mechanism. Yra1 was also identified at an HO-induced DSB and Yra1 depletion causes defects in DSB repair. Previous work from our laboratory showed that Yra1 ubiquitination by Tom1 is important for mRNA export. Interestingly, we found that Yra1 is also ubiquitinated by the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligases Slx5-Slx8 implicated in the interaction of irreparable DSB with nuclear pores. Here we show that Yra1 binds an HO-induced irreparable DSB. Importantly, a Yra1 mutant lacking the evolutionarily conserved C-box is not recruited to an HO-induced irreparable DSB and becomes lethal under DSB induction in a HO-cut reparable system. Together, the data provide evidence that Yra1 plays a crucial role in DSB repair via homologous recombination. Unexpectedly, while the Yra1 C-box is essential, Yra1 sumoylation and/or ubiquitination are dispensable in this process.

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