We recently constructed a POL B mutant mouse model and surprisingly these mice develop Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). POL B encodes the DNA polymerase beta protein, which functions in base excision repair (BER). BER removes DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR), and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONs) and an imbalance in the repair of base damage induced by IR and RONs leads to the accumulation of BER intermediates. Interestingly, individuals with SLE are unable to efficiently repair base damage induced by IR and are frequently excluded from treatment that includes IR. Our preliminary data suggest that oxidative DNA damage in our POL B defective mice results in the accumulation of BER intermediates that lead to the development of SLE. The broad long-term objective of the proposed research is to understand how aberrant DNA repair leads to SLE and to understand the interactions between genetic and environmental factors that result in SLE. In this proposal we will focus on DNA repair genes that function in BER to repair damage and that can be induced by IR and RONs. In the first aim, we will test the hypothesis that aberrant canonical base excision repair is linked to SLE in mice. In the second aim, we will test the hypothesis that aberrant co-opted DNA repair used in specialized cellular processes is linked to SLE in mice. We will use a combined biological, biochemical and genetic approach in this project. We will determine if oxidative stress-inducing agents induce SLE in our POL B mouse model and if antioxidants and genetic factors influence SLE development. These studies have significant potential to advance our fundamental understanding of how aberrant repair of DNA base damage leads to SLE and could impact treatment of this disease in the future.
The goal of this project is to understand how aberrant DNA repair leads to the development of lupus. We have a unique mouse model of lupus and will characterize this mouse model to understand how lupus develops. Our project has strong potential to lead to new treatments for this devastating disease.
| Ray, Sreerupa; Breuer, Gregory; DeVeaux, Michelle et al. (2018) DNA polymerase beta participates in DNA End-joining. Nucleic Acids Res 46:242-255 |
| Meas, Rithy; Burak, Matthew J; Sweasy, Joann B (2017) DNA repair and systemic lupus erythematosus. DNA Repair (Amst) 56:174-182 |
| Nemec, Antonia A; Abriola, Laura; Merkel, Jane S et al. (2017) DNA Polymerase Beta Germline Variant Confers Cellular Response to Cisplatin Therapy. Mol Cancer Res 15:269-280 |
| Nemec, Antonia A; Bush, Korie B; Towle-Weicksel, Jamie B et al. (2016) Estrogen Drives Cellular Transformation and Mutagenesis in Cells Expressing the Breast Cancer-Associated R438W DNA Polymerase Lambda Protein. Mol Cancer Res 14:1068-1077 |
| Lokanga, Rachel Adihe; Senejani, Alireza Ghodsi; Sweasy, Joann Balazs et al. (2015) Heterozygosity for a hypomorphic Pol? mutation reduces the expansion frequency in a mouse model of the Fragile X-related disorders. PLoS Genet 11:e1005181 |
| Kidane, Dawit; Chae, Wook Jin; Czochor, Jennifer et al. (2014) Interplay between DNA repair and inflammation, and the link to cancer. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 49:116-39 |
| Senejani, Alireza G; Liu, Yanfeng; Kidane, Dawit et al. (2014) Mutation of POLB causes lupus in mice. Cell Rep 6:1-8 |
| Nemec, Antonia A; Murphy, Drew L; Donigan, Katherine A et al. (2014) The S229L colon tumor-associated variant of DNA polymerase ? induces cellular transformation as a result of decreased polymerization efficiency. J Biol Chem 289:13708-16 |
| Ray, Sreerupa; Menezes, Miriam Rose; Senejani, Alireza et al. (2013) Cellular roles of DNA polymerase beta. Yale J Biol Med 86:463-9 |
| Senejani, Alireza G; Dalal, Shibani; Liu, Yanfeng et al. (2012) Y265C DNA polymerase beta knockin mice survive past birth and accumulate base excision repair intermediate substrates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 109:6632-7 |
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