DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is a central process in genome maintenance, broadly divided into homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways. Of these, NHEJ, the direct ligation of DSB ends, is most likely to execute the chromosomal rearrangements that cause cancer because such junctions typically lack extensive homology. NHEJ is also a genome caretaker that promotes accurate repair of DSBs, however, underscoring its dichotomous role in genome (in)stability. Prior work has led to the apparent identification of nearly all eukaryotic NHEJ proteins. These include: (i) the structural end- binding protein Ku;(ii) DNA ligase IV, comprised of its catalytic subunit (Lig4/Dnl4) and two supporting proteins (XRCC4/Lif1 and XLF/Nej1);and (iii) end processing polymerases of the Pol X family (Pol <, Pol;/Pol4). Many features of these various proteins are also known, including substantial structural information. What is not known is how they interact with each other and the DNA to achieve the dynamic process of repair. There is an extensive protein architecture used during NHEJ with currently little insight into how its parts assemble onto the limiting DSB substrate in both space and time. Once there, NHEJ enzymes use poorly understood mechanisms to overcome the unique challenge of catalyzing reactions on a DNA substrate comprised of unstably associated halves. This project will explore these outstanding issues using powerful and novel genetic assays in the budding yeast model organism, with four specific aims addressing: (i) the interactions between Ku and DNA ligase IV that recruit and productively position the ligase for catalysis;(ii) the specific and multiple functions of the DNA ligase IV BRCT domains in supporting NHEJ;(iii) the specific features of Pol X family DNA polymerases that allow only them to catalyze certain synthetic events during NHEJ;and (iv) similar specific features of catalysis by DNA ligase IV that optimize its ability to join DSB ends.

Public Health Relevance

Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) of double-strand breaks is a key DNA repair process that maintains the genome but also paradoxically executes chromosomal rearrangements. Because of this dichotomous action, a detailed description of the NHEJ reaction mechanism is required to understand the potential consequences of NHEJ deficiency as might occur during oncogenesis or by inhibition as a potential therapeutic intervention during the treatment of cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01CA102563-06A1
Application #
7882200
Study Section
Molecular Genetics C Study Section (MGC)
Program Officer
Pelroy, Richard
Project Start
2003-07-01
Project End
2015-07-31
Budget Start
2010-08-01
Budget End
2011-07-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$254,516
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
Liang, Zhuobin; Sunder, Sham; Nallasivam, Sivakumar et al. (2016) Overhang polarity of chromosomal double-strand breaks impacts kinetics and fidelity of yeast non-homologous end joining. Nucleic Acids Res 44:2769-81
Song, Qingxuan; Johnson, Cole; Wilson, Thomas E et al. (2014) Pooled segregant sequencing reveals genetic determinants of yeast pseudohyphal growth. PLoS Genet 10:e1004570
Chiruvella, Kishore K; Renard, Brian M; Birkeland, Shanda R et al. (2014) Yeast DNA ligase IV mutations reveal a nonhomologous end joining function of BRCT1 distinct from XRCC4/Lif1 binding. DNA Repair (Amst) 24:37-45
Chiruvella, Kishore K; Liang, Zhuobin; Birkeland, Shanda R et al. (2013) Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA ligase IV supports imprecise end joining independently of its catalytic activity. PLoS Genet 9:e1003599
Chiruvella, Kishore K; Liang, Zhuobin; Wilson, Thomas E (2013) Repair of double-strand breaks by end joining. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 5:a012757
Arlt, Martin F; Rajendran, Sountharia; Birkeland, Shanda R et al. (2012) De novo CNV formation in mouse embryonic stem cells occurs in the absence of Xrcc4-dependent nonhomologous end joining. PLoS Genet 8:e1002981
Arlt, Martin F; Wilson, Thomas E; Glover, Thomas W (2012) Replication stress and mechanisms of CNV formation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 22:204-10
Lieber, Michael R; Wilson, Thomas E (2010) SnapShot: Nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ). Cell 142:496-496.e1
Daley, James M; Wilson, Thomas E; Ramotar, Dindial (2010) Genetic interactions between HNT3/Aprataxin and RAD27/FEN1 suggest parallel pathways for 5' end processing during base excision repair. DNA Repair (Amst) 9:690-9
Palmbos, Phillip L; Wu, Dongliang; Daley, James M et al. (2008) Recruitment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dnl4-Lif1 complex to a double-strand break requires interactions with Yku80 and the Xrs2 FHA domain. Genetics 180:1809-19

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