Eukaryotic DNA replication is accomplished by initiating replication forks at multiple origins of replication in an ordered sequence during S phase. Replication defects are a major source of genomic instability leading to a variety of human disorders including cancer;in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, perturbing the orderly replication of the genome leads to genome instability. Cells have evolved elaborate surveillance mechanisms to monitor the integrity and orderly duplication of their genomes. To fully understand the causes and mechanisms of genome-instability disorders, therefore, it is crucial that we understand the molecular mechanisms choreographing the replication program and the mechanisms that ensure faithful genome maintenance in the face of DNA damage and stress. In examining some chromosomal rearrangements that have been reported in yeast, we note that in addition to the known repeated elements (such as tRNAs and transposons), there is anecdotal evidence for origins of replication very close to the breakpoint, leading us a to a new line of enquiry: to ask whether origins are intrinsically destabilizing elements in the genome. Drawing on evolutionary comparisons of S. cerevisiae with its distant, pre-genome- duplication relative Kluyveromyces waltii, we have found that origins in S. cerevisiae are indeed very highly correlated with genome rearrangement breakpoints. This proposal therefore has two broad themes: 7 A continuation of our ongoing efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms of origin action and regulation, with particular focus on how origins respond to replication stress and limiting replication factors. 7 Experimental tests for a direct link between the presence and activity of replication origins and genome instability. Because genome rearrangements are a major hallmark of cancer progression, we feel that these lines of enquiry will elucidate the interplay between origin function and genome stability, and in the long term have potential for developing both diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Public Health Relevance

Perturbations in the orderly duplication of chromosomal DNA are a major source of genomic instability leading to a variety of human disorders including cancer. At the same time, there is evidence that origins of replication, the sites where DNA synthesis is initiated, are themselves potential agents of genome rearrangements. In this work, we propose to continue our investigations into the mechanisms that modulate the orderly progression of replication, and begin exploring the possible role of replication origins in leading to genome instability. This work will expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying genome disorders, shed light on questions of health importance, and contribute to our ongoing efforts to understand the interplay between genome structure and replication.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM018926-41
Application #
8245125
Study Section
Molecular Genetics B Study Section (MGB)
Program Officer
Reddy, Michael K
Project Start
1976-01-01
Project End
2013-03-31
Budget Start
2012-04-01
Budget End
2013-03-31
Support Year
41
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$550,863
Indirect Cost
$194,871
Name
University of Washington
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Sanchez, Joseph C; Kwan, Elizabeth X; Pohl, Thomas J et al. (2017) Defective replication initiation results in locus specific chromosome breakage and a ribosomal RNA deficiency in yeast. PLoS Genet 13:e1007041
Kwan, Elizabeth X; Wang, Xiaobin S; Amemiya, Haley M et al. (2016) rDNA Copy Number Variants Are Frequent Passenger Mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Deletion Collections and de Novo Transformants. G3 (Bethesda) 6:2829-38
Merrikh, Christopher N; Brewer, Bonita J; Merrikh, Houra (2015) The B. subtilis Accessory Helicase PcrA Facilitates DNA Replication through Transcription Units. PLoS Genet 11:e1005289
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Payen, Celia; Di Rienzi, Sara C; Ong, Giang T et al. (2014) The dynamics of diverse segmental amplifications in populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae adapting to strong selection. G3 (Bethesda) 4:399-409
Peng, Jie; Raghuraman, M K; Feng, Wenyi (2014) Analysis of ssDNA gaps and DSBs in genetically unstable yeast cultures. Methods Mol Biol 1170:501-15
Liachko, Ivan; Youngblood, Rachel A; Tsui, Kyle et al. (2014) GC-rich DNA elements enable replication origin activity in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. PLoS Genet 10:e1004169
Hiraga, Shin-Ichiro; Alvino, Gina M; Chang, Fujung et al. (2014) Rif1 controls DNA replication by directing Protein Phosphatase 1 to reverse Cdc7-mediated phosphorylation of the MCM complex. Genes Dev 28:372-83
Peng, Jie; Raghuraman, M K; Feng, Wenyi (2014) Analysis of replication timing using synchronized budding yeast cultures. Methods Mol Biol 1170:477-99
Kwan, Elizabeth X; Foss, Eric J; Tsuchiyama, Scott et al. (2013) A natural polymorphism in rDNA replication origins links origin activation with calorie restriction and lifespan. PLoS Genet 9:e1003329

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