Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P16104 (H2AX)
 3,930 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Microcephalin (MCPH1) is a BRCA1 COOH terminal (BRCT) domain containing protein involved in the cellular response to DNA damage that has been implicated in autosomal recessive primary microcephaly. MCPH1 is recruited to sites of DNA double-strand breaks by phosphorylated histone H2AX (gammaH2AX), but the mechanism by which MCPH1 contributes to the repair process remains to be determined. Here, we show that MCPH1 binds to BRCA2 and regulates the localization of BRCA2 and Rad51 at sites of DNA damage. The interaction occurs through the NH(2) terminus of BRCA2 and the COOH terminal BRCT domains of MCPH1. Disruption of the interaction between MCPH1 and BRCA2 has no effect on the ability of BRCA2 to form a complex with Rad51 but is associated with substantially reduced levels of both BRCA2 and Rad51 at sites of DNA double-strand breaks. Uncoupling of MCPH1 from BRCA2 also interferes with Rad51-dependent and BRCA2-dependent homologous recombination repair activity. These results suggest that the role of MCPH1 in the DNA damage response is in part associated with the ability to localize BRCA2 to sites of DNA double-stand breaks.
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PMID:Microcephalin regulates BRCA2 and Rad51-associated DNA double-strand break repair. 1954

Cellular response to DNA damage involves the coordinated activation of cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair. The early steps of DNA damage recognition and signaling in mammalian cells are not yet fully understood. To investigate the regulation of the DNA damage response (DDR), we designed short and stabilized double stranded DNA molecules (Dbait) mimicking double-strand breaks. We compared the response induced by these molecules to the response induced by ionizing radiation. We show that stable 32-bp long Dbait, induce pan-nuclear phosphorylation of DDR components such as H2AX, Rpa32, Chk1, Chk2, Nbs1 and p53 in various cell lines. However, individual cell analyses reveal that differences exist in the cellular responses to Dbait compared to irradiation. Responses to Dbait: (i) are dependent only on DNA-PK kinase activity and not on ATM, (ii) result in a phosphorylation signal lasting several days and (iii) are distributed in the treated population in an "all-or-none" pattern, in a Dbait-concentration threshold dependant manner. Moreover, despite extensive phosphorylation of the DNA-PK downstream targets, Dbait treated cells continue to proliferate without showing cell cycle delay or apoptosis. Dbait treatment prior to irradiation impaired foci formation of Nbs1, 53BP1 and Rad51 at DNA damage sites and inhibited non-homologous end joining as well as homologous recombination. Together, our results suggest that the hyperactivation of DNA-PK is insufficient for complete execution of the DDR but induces a "false" DNA damage signaling that disorganizes the DNA repair system.
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PMID:Hyperactivation of DNA-PK by double-strand break mimicking molecules disorganizes DNA damage response. 1962 Oct 83

Maintenance of genome integrity is essential for homeostasis and survival as impaired DNA damage response (DDR) may predispose to grave pathologies such as neurodegenerative and immunodeficiency syndromes, cancer and premature aging. Therefore, accurate assessment of DNA damage caused by environmental or metabolic genotoxic insults is critical for contemporary biomedicine. The available physical, flow cytometry and sophisticated scanning approaches to DNA damage estimation each have some drawbacks such as insufficient sensitivity, limitation to analysis of cells in suspension, or high costs and demand for trained personnel. Here we present an option how to transform a regular fluorescence microscope and personal computer with common software into a functional alternative to high-throughput screening devices. In two detailed protocols we introduce a new semi-automatic procedure allowing for very sensitive, quantitative, rapid and simple fluorescence image analysis in thousands of adherent cells per day. Sensitive DNA breakage estimation through analysis of phosphorylated histone H2AX (gamma-H2AX), and homologous recombination (HR) assessed by a new RPA/Rad51 dual-marker approach illustrate the advantages and applicability of this technique. Our present data on assessment of low radiation doses, repair kinetics, spontaneous DNA damage in cancer cells, as well as constitutive and replication stress-induced HR events and their dependence on upstream factors within the DDR machinery document the versatility of the method. We believe this affordable approach may facilitate mechanistic insights into the role of low-dose DNA damage in human diseases, and generally promote both basic and translational research in many areas of biomedicine where suitable fluorescence markers are available.
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PMID:Low-dose DNA damage and replication stress responses quantified by optimized automated single-cell image analysis. 1962 77

A possible role for structure-specific recognition protein 1 (SSRP1) in replication-associated repair processes has previously been suggested based on its interaction with several DNA repair factors and the replication defects observed in SSRP1 mutants. In this study, we investigated the potential role of SSRP1 in association with DNA repair mediated by homologous recombination (HR), one of the pathways involved in repairing replication-associated DNA damage, in mammalian cells. Surprisingly, over-expression of SSRP1 reduced the number of hprt(+) recombinants generated via HR both spontaneously and upon hydroxyurea (HU) treatment, whereas knockdown of SSRP1 resulted in an increase of HR events in response to DNA double-strand break formation. In correlation, we found that the depletion of SSRP1 in HU-treated human cells elevated the number of Rad51 and H2AX foci, while over-expression of the wild-type SSRP1 markedly reduced HU-induced Rad51 foci formation. We also found that SSRP1 physically interacts with a key HR repair protein, Rad54 both in vitro and in vivo. Further, branch migration studies demonstrated that SSRP1 inhibits Rad54-promoted branch migration of Holliday junctions in vitro. Taken together, our data suggest a functional role for SSRP1 in spontaneous and replication-associated DNA damage response by suppressing avoidable HR repair events.
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PMID:A role for SSRP1 in recombination-mediated DNA damage response. 1963 3

The response to DNA damage in vertebrate cells involves successive recruitment of DNA signalling and repair factors. We used light microscopy to monitor the genetic dependencies of such localization to a single, induced DNA double strand break (DSB) in vertebrate cells. We used an inducible version of the rare-cutting I-SceI endonuclease to cut a chromosomally integrated I-SceI site beside a Tet operator array that was visualized by binding a Tet repressor-GFP fusion. Formation of gamma-H2AX foci at a single DSB was independent of ATM or Ku70. ATM-deficient cells showed normal kinetics of 53Bp1 recruitment to DSBs, but Rad51 localization was retarded. 53Bp1 and Rad51 foci formation at a single DSB was greatly reduced in H2AX-null DT40 cells. We also observed decreased inter-sister chromatid distances after DSB induction, suggesting that cohesin loading at DSBs causes elevated sister chromatid cohesion. Loss of ATM reduced DSB-induced cohesion, consistent with cohesin being an ATM target in the DSB response. These data show that the same genetic pathways control how cells respond to single DSBs and to multiple lesions induced by whole-cell DNA damage.
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PMID:Increased sister chromatid cohesion and DNA damage response factor localization at an enzyme-induced DNA double-strand break in vertebrate cells. 1970 Jul 69

Translesion synthesis by DNA polymerase eta (poleta) is one mechanism by which cancer cells can tolerate DNA damage by platinum-based anti-cancer drugs. Cells lacking poleta are sensitive to these agents. To help define the consequences of poeta-deficiency, we characterized the effects of equitoxic doses of cisplatin and carboplatin on cell cycle progression and activation of DNA damage response pathways in a human cell line lacking poleta. We show that both cisplatin and carboplatin induce strong S-phase arrest in poleta-deficient XP30RO cells, associated with reduced expression of cyclin E and cyclin B. PIK kinase-mediated phosphorylation of Chk1, H2AX and RPA2 was strongly activated by both cisplatin and carboplatin, but phosphorylation of these proteins was induced earlier by cisplatin than by an equitoxic dose of carboplatin. Compared to Chk1 and H2AX phosphorylation, RPA2 hyperphosphorylation on serine4/serine8 is a late event in response to platinum-induced DNA damage. We directly demonstrate, using dual-labeling flow cytometry, that damage-induced phosphorylation of RPA2 on serine4/serine8 occurs primarily in the S and G(2) phases of the cell cycle, and show that the timing of RPA2 phosphorylation can be modulated by inhibition of the checkpoint kinase Chk1. Furthermore, Chk1 inhibition sensitizes poleta-deficient cells to the cytotoxic effects of carboplatin. Both hyperphosphorylated RPA2 and the homologous recombination protein Rad51 are present in nuclear foci after cisplatin treatment, but these are separable events in individual cells. These results provide insight into the relationship between cell cycle regulation and processing of platinum-induced DNA damage in human cells when poleta-mediated TLS is compromised.
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PMID:Characterization of the effects of cisplatin and carboplatin on cell cycle progression and DNA damage response activation in DNA polymerase eta-deficient human cells. 1971 47

The progression of spermatogenesis involves global changes in chromatin structure and conformation. However, our understanding of the regulation of chromatin changes in germ cells remains limited. Here we describe both in vivo RNA interference and genetic mouse knockout studies that identify a critical role for Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in mammalian spermatogenesis. In the YY1-deficient spermatocytes, we find a significant decrease in the global level of the heterochromatin markers (H3K9me3 and HP1-gamma) and a concomitant increase in the double-strand break (DSB) signals on chromosomes (gamma-H2AX, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling, and Rad51) at the leptotene/zygotene stages of spermatocytes. These findings support a link between chromatin modifications and meiotic DSB formation, as has been seen in other model organisms. We propose that a depletion of YY1 may alter the structural integrity of heterochromatin, rendering it more accessible to the DSB machinery. In addition, YY1-deficient spermatocytes show univalent formation, increased aneuploidy, and pachytene cell death, which are likely due to defects in DNA repair. Taken together, this study identifies an important role for YY1 in mouse meiosis and provides new insight into mechanisms that regulate mammalian spermatogenesis.
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PMID:Loss of YY1 impacts the heterochromatic state and meiotic double-strand breaks during mouse spermatogenesis. 1978 70

Many established cancer therapies involve DNA-damaging chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Gain of DNA repair capacity of the tumor represents a common mechanism used by cancer cells to survive DNA-damaging therapy. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a nuclear enzyme that is activated by DNA damage and plays a critical role in base excision repair. Inhibition of PARP represents an attractive approach for the treatment of cancer. Previously, we have described the discovery and characterization of a potent PARP inhibitor, ABT-888. ABT-888 potentiates the activity of DNA-damaging agents such as temozolomide (TMZ) in a variety of preclinical models. We report here the generation of HCT116 cells resistant to treatment with TMZ and ABT-888 (HCT116R cells). HCT116R cells exhibit decreased H2AX phosphorylation in response to treatment with TMZ and ABT-888 relative to parental HCT116 cells. Microarray and Western blot studies indicate that HCT116R cells have decreased PARP-1 and elevated Rad51 expression levels. HCT116R cells are dependent on Rad51 for proliferation and survival, as shown by inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis upon treatment with Rad51 small interfering RNA. In addition, HCT116R cells are more resistant to radiation than the parental HCT116 cells. Our study suggests that cancer cells upregulate the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway to compensate for the loss of base excision repair, which may account for the observed resistance to treatment with TMZ and ABT-888.
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PMID:Acquired resistance to combination treatment with temozolomide and ABT-888 is mediated by both base excision repair and homologous recombination DNA repair pathways. 1982 92

Sirt1 appear to be NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase that deacetylates histones and several non-histone proteins. In this study, we identified Sirt1 as a physical interaction partner of Tip60, which is a mammalian MYST-type histone acetyl-transferase that specifically acetylates histones H2A and H4. Although Tip60 also acetylates DNA damage-specific histone H2A variant H2AX in response to DNA damage, which is a process required for appropriate DNA damage response, overexpression of Sirt1 represses Tip60-mediated acetylation of H2AX. Furthermore, Sirt1 depletion by RNAi causes excessive acetylation of H2AX, and enhances accumulation of gamma-ray irradiation-induced MDC1, BRCA1, and Rad51 foci in nuclei. These findings suggest that Sirt1 functions as negative regulator of Tip60-mediated acetylation of H2AX. Moreover, Sirt1 deacetylates an acetylated Tip60 in response to DNA damage and stimulates proteasome-dependent Tip60 degradation in vivo, suggesting that Sirt1 negatively regulates the protein level of Tip60 in vivo. Sirt1 may thus repress excessive activation of the DNA damage response and Rad51-homologous recombination repair by suppressing the function of Tip60.
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PMID:Sirt1 physically interacts with Tip60 and negatively regulates Tip60-mediated acetylation of H2AX. 1989 90

Lamellarin D, a potent cytotoxic marine alkaloid, exerts its antitumor action through two complementary pathways: a nuclear route via topoisomerase I inhibition and a mitochondrial targeting. The present study was designed to investigate the contribution of these two pathways for apoptosis in cancer cells. Lamellarin D promoted nuclear apoptosis in leukemia cells without prominent cell cycle arrest. Signals transmitted by lamellarin D initiated apoptosis via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The drug induced conformational activation of Bax and decreased the expression levels of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and cIAP2 in association with activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Upon lamellarin D exposure, Fas and Fas-L expression was not modified in leukemia cells. Moreover, leukemia cells deficient in caspase-8 or Fas-associated protein with death domain underwent apoptosis through the typical mitochondrial apoptotic cascade, indicating that cell death induced by lamellarin D was independent of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Lamellarin D also exerted a topoisomerase I-mediated DNA damage response resulting in H2AX phosphorylation, and the upregulation of the DNA repair protein Rad51 and of p53, as well as the phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15. However, lamellarin D killed efficiently mutated p53 or p53 null cancer cells, and sensitivity to lamellarin D was abrogated neither by cycloheximide nor in enucleated cells. Lamellarin D-induced cytochrome c release occurs independently of nuclear factors in a cell-free system. These results suggest that lamellarin D exerts its cytotoxic effects primarily by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis independently of nuclear signaling. Thus, lamellarin D constitutes a new proapoptotic agent that may bypass certain forms of apoptosis resistance that occur in tumor cells.
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PMID:Essential role of mitochondria in apoptosis of cancer cells induced by the marine alkaloid Lamellarin D. 1995 18


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