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Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024DNA damage checkpoints are essential for coordinating cell cycle arrest and gene transcription during DNA damage response. Exploring the targets of checkpoint kinases in...
DNA damage checkpoints are essential for coordinating cell cycle arrest and gene transcription during DNA damage response. Exploring the targets of checkpoint kinases in and other fungi has expanded our comprehension of the downstream pathways involved in DNA damage response. While the function of checkpoint kinases, specifically Rad53, is well documented in the fungal pathogen , their targets remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the impact of deleting on the global transcription profiles and observed alterations in genes associated with ribosome biogenesis, DNA replication, and cell cycle. However, the deletion of only affected a limited number of known DNA damage-responsive genes, including and . Unlike , the downregulation of transcription in under the influence of Methyl Methanesulfonate (MMS) did not depend on Dun1 but still relied on Rad53 and Rad9. In addition, the transcription factor Mcm1 was identified as a regulator of transcription, with evidence of dynamic binding to its promoter region; however, this dynamic binding was interrupted following the deletion of . Furthermore, Rad53 was observed to directly interact with the promoter region of , thus suggesting a potential role in governing its transcription. Overall, checkpoints regulate global gene transcription in and show species-specific regulation on ; these discoveries improve our understanding of the signaling pathway related to checkpoints in this pathogen.
PubMed: 38921373
DOI: 10.3390/jof10060387 -
Dose-response : a Publication of... 2024We have been conducting a collaborative study on the thresholds of mutagens. In our previous examinations of cell activity and cell proliferation as endpoints, both...
BACKGROUND
We have been conducting a collaborative study on the thresholds of mutagens. In our previous examinations of cell activity and cell proliferation as endpoints, both displayed hormesis. This time, we conducted experiments to determine thresholds using the micronucleus test as an endpoint.
METHODS
The micronucleus test was conducted using Chinese hamster CHL/IU cells and mouse lymphoid L5178Y cells. Additionally, we conducted preliminary investigations into the gene expression using human TK6 cells.
RESULTS
When adhesive CHL/IU cells were treated with mitomycin C (MMC), and the hormetic response was examined, hormesis was not observed clearly. When L5178Y cells were treated with methyl methanesulfonate (EMS), AF-2, MMC, and colchicine, all of them exhibited an adaptive response. Additionally, cross-adaptive responses using AF-2 and MMC or EMS and MMC were conducted, both combinations showed a cross-adaptive response. When the gene expression patterns of six genes were investigated by RT-PCR after treatment with MMC, EMS, and HO using TK6 cells, two genes, and , were induced in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
CONCLUSION
Adaptive responses arise from preconditioning. As hormesis is inherently linked to preconditioning, adaptive responses observed in this study strongly suggest that hormesis was induced, hence existence of thresholds.
PubMed: 38715588
DOI: 10.1177/15593258241252040 -
Non-coding RNA Research Sep 2024In recent years, various long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in DNA damage response (DDR) have been identified and studied to deepen our understanding. However,...
In recent years, various long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in DNA damage response (DDR) have been identified and studied to deepen our understanding. However, there are rare reports on the association between lncRNAs and base excision repair (BER). Our designed DNA microarray identified dozens of functionally unknown lncRNAs, and their transcription levels significantly increased upon exposure to DNA damage inducers. One of them, named (Long noncoding RNA Interacts with PARP-1), exhibited a significant alteration in transcription in response to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and temozolomide (TMZ) treatments. knockdown or knockout cell lines are sensitive to MMS and TMZ, indicating that plays a crucial role in DDR. The loss or insufficiency of significantly influences the efficiency of BER in human cells, and it suggests that participates in the BER pathway. The interaction between and a key factor in BER, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), has been confirmed. We identified and characterized , a lncRNA, which is involved in DDR, significantly influences BER efficiency, and interacts with the BER key factor PARP-1. This advances our understanding of the connection between lncRNAs and BER, presenting the potential for the discovery of new drug targets.
PubMed: 38577022
DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.010 -
MSphere Apr 2024Histone lysine acetyltransferase MYST-associated NuA4 complex is conserved from yeast to humans and plays key roles in cell cycle regulation, gene transcription, and DNA...
Histone lysine acetyltransferase MYST-associated NuA4 complex is conserved from yeast to humans and plays key roles in cell cycle regulation, gene transcription, and DNA replication/repair. Here, we identified a MYST-associated complex, PfNuA4, which contains 11 of the 13 conserved NuA4 subunits. Reciprocal pulldowns using PfEAF2, a shared component between the NuA4 and SWR1 complexes, not only confirmed the PfNuA4 complex but also identified the PfSWR1 complex, a histone remodeling complex, although their identities are low compared to the homologs in yeast or humans. Notably, both H2A.Z/H2B.Z were associated with the PfSWR1 complex, indicating that this complex is involved in the deposition of H2A.Z/H2B.Z, the variant histone pair that is enriched in the activated promoters. Overexpression of PfMYST resulted in earlier expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA replication, and merozoite invasion, and upregulation of the genes related to antigenic variation and DNA repair. Consistently, PfMYST overexpression led to high basal phosphorylated PfH2A (γ-PfH2A), the mark of DNA double-strand breaks, and conferred protection against genotoxic agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), X-rays, and artemisinin, the first-line antimalarial drug. In contrast, the knockdown of PfMYST caused a delayed parasite recovery upon MMS treatment. MMS induced the gradual disappearance of PfMYST in the cytoplasm and concomitant accumulation of PfMYST in the nucleus, suggesting cytoplasm-nucleus shuttling of PfMYST. Meanwhile, PfMYST colocalized with the γ-PfH2A, indicating PfMYST was recruited to the DNA damage sites. Collectively, PfMYST plays critical roles in cell cycle regulation, gene transcription, and DNA replication/DNA repair in this low-branching parasitic protist.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding gene regulation and DNA repair in malaria parasites is critical for identifying targets for antimalarials. This study found PfNuA4, a PfMYST-associated, histone modifier complex, and PfSWR1, a chromatin remodeling complex in malaria parasite . These complexes are divergent due to the low identities compared to their homologs from yeast and humans. Furthermore, overexpression of PfMYST resulted in substantial transcriptomic changes, indicating that PfMYST is involved in regulating the cell cycle, antigenic variation, and DNA replication/repair. Consistently, PfMYST was found to protect against DNA damage caused by the genotoxic agent methyl methanesulfonate, X-rays, and artemisinin, the first-line antimalarial drug. Additionally, DNA damage led to the relocation of cytoplasmic PfMYST to the nucleus and colocalization of PfMYST with γ-PfH2A, the mark of DNA damage. In summary, this study demonstrated that the PfMYST complex has critical functions in regulating cell cycle, antigenic variation, and DNA replication/DNA repair in .
Topics: Plasmodium falciparum; DNA Repair; Protozoan Proteins; Histone Acetyltransferases; Humans; DNA Replication; Histones; Gene Expression Regulation
PubMed: 38564734
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00140-24 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024DNA lesions trigger DNA damage checkpoint (DDC) signaling which arrests cell cycle progression and promotes DNA damage repair. In , phosphorylation of histone H2A...
DNA lesions trigger DNA damage checkpoint (DDC) signaling which arrests cell cycle progression and promotes DNA damage repair. In , phosphorylation of histone H2A (γH2A, equivalent to γH2AX in mammals) is an early chromatin mark induced by DNA damage that is recognized by a group of DDC and DNA repair factors. We find that γH2A negatively regulates the G2/M checkpoint in response to the genotoxin camptothecin, which is a DNA topoisomerase I poison. γH2A also suppresses DDC signaling induced by the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate. These results differ from prior findings, which demonstrate positive or no roles of γH2A in DDC in response to other DNA damaging agents such as phleomycin and ionizing radiation, which suggest that γH2A has DNA damage-specific effects on DDC signaling. We also find evidence supporting the notion that γH2A regulates DDC signaling by mediating the competitive recruitment of the DDC mediator Rad9 and the DNA repair factor Rtt107 to DNA lesions. We propose that γH2A/γH2AX serves to create a dynamic balance between DDC and DNA repair that is influenced by the nature of DNA damage.
Topics: Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; DNA Damage; Histones; DNA
PubMed: 38473708
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052462 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Feb 2024When replication forks encounter damaged DNA, cells utilize DNA damage tolerance mechanisms to allow replication to proceed. These include translesion synthesis at the...
When replication forks encounter damaged DNA, cells utilize DNA damage tolerance mechanisms to allow replication to proceed. These include translesion synthesis at the fork, postreplication gap filling, and template switching via fork reversal or homologous recombination. The extent to which these different damage tolerance mechanisms are utilized depends on cell, tissue, and developmental context-specific cues, the last two of which are poorly understood. To address this gap, we have investigated damage tolerance responses following alkylation damage in . We report that translesion synthesis, rather than template switching, is the preferred response to alkylation-induced damage in diploid larval tissues. Furthermore, we show that the REV1 protein plays a multi-faceted role in damage tolerance in Drosophila. Drosophila larvae lacking REV1 are hypersensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and have highly elevated levels of γ-H2Av foci and chromosome aberrations in MMS-treated tissues. Loss of the REV1 C-terminal domain (CTD), which recruits multiple translesion polymerases to damage sites, sensitizes flies to MMS. In the absence of the REV1 CTD, DNA polymerases eta and zeta become critical for MMS tolerance. In addition, flies lacking REV3, the catalytic subunit of polymerase zeta, require the deoxycytidyl transferase activity of REV1 to tolerate MMS. Together, our results demonstrate that Drosophila prioritize the use of multiple translesion polymerases to tolerate alkylation damage and highlight the critical role of REV1 in the coordination of this response to prevent genome instability.
PubMed: 38405884
DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580051 -
Sensing chemical-induced DNA damage using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-deletion yeast-reporter strains.Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Feb 2024Microorganism-based genotoxicity assessments are vital for evaluating potential chemical-induced DNA damage. In this study, we developed both chromosomally integrated...
Microorganism-based genotoxicity assessments are vital for evaluating potential chemical-induced DNA damage. In this study, we developed both chromosomally integrated and single-copy plasmid-based reporter assays in budding yeast using a RNR3 promoter-driven luciferase gene. These assays were designed to compare the response to genotoxic chemicals with a pre-established multicopy plasmid-based assay. Despite exhibiting the lowest luciferase activity, the chromosomally integrated reporter assay showed the highest fold induction (i.e., the ratio of luciferase activity in the presence and absence of the chemical) compared with the established plasmid-based assay. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated mutants with single- or double-gene deletions, affecting major DNA repair pathways or cell permeability. This enabled us to evaluate reporter gene responses to genotoxicants in a single-copy plasmid-based assay. Elevated background activities were observed in several mutants, such as mag1Δ cells, even without exposure to chemicals. However, substantial luciferase induction was detected in single-deletion mutants following exposure to specific chemicals, including mag1Δ, mms2Δ, and rad59Δ cells treated with methyl methanesulfonate; rad59Δ cells exposed to camptothecin; and mms2Δ and rad10Δ cells treated with mitomycin C (MMC) and cisplatin (CDDP). Notably, mms2Δ/rad10Δ cells treated with MMC or CDDP exhibited significantly enhanced luciferase induction compared with the parent single-deletion mutants, suggesting that postreplication and for nucleotide excision repair processes predominantly contribute to repairing DNA crosslinks. Overall, our findings demonstrate the utility of yeast-based reporter assays employing strains with multiple-deletion mutations in DNA repair genes. These assays serve as valuable tools for investigating DNA repair mechanisms and assessing chemical-induced DNA damage. KEY POINTS: • Responses to genotoxic chemicals were investigated in three types of reporter yeast. • Yeast strains with single- and double-deletions of DNA repair genes were tested. • Two DNA repair pathways predominantly contributed to DNA crosslink repair in yeast.
Topics: Saccharomyces cerevisiae; CRISPR-Cas Systems; DNA Damage; Mitomycin; Luciferases; DNA
PubMed: 38300351
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13020-w -
G3 (Bethesda, Md.) Mar 2024We performed a functional analysis of two potential partners of ASF1, a highly conserved histone chaperone that plays a crucial role in the sexual development and DNA...
We performed a functional analysis of two potential partners of ASF1, a highly conserved histone chaperone that plays a crucial role in the sexual development and DNA damage resistance in the ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. ASF1 is known to be involved in nucleosome assembly and disassembly, binding histones H3 and H4 during transcription, replication and DNA repair and has direct and indirect roles in histone recycling and modification as well as DNA methylation, acting as a chromatin modifier hub for a large network of chromatin-associated proteins. Here, we functionally characterized two of these proteins, RTT109 and CHK2. RTT109 is a fungal-specific histone acetyltransferase, while CHK2 is an ortholog to PRD-4, a checkpoint kinase of Neurospora crassa that performs similar cell cycle checkpoint functions as yeast RAD53. Through the generation and characterization of deletion mutants, we discovered striking similarities between RTT109 and ASF1 in terms of their contributions to sexual development, histone acetylation, and protection against DNA damage. Phenotypic observations revealed a developmental arrest at the same stage in Δrtt109 and Δasf1 strains, accompanied by a loss of H3K56 acetylation, as detected by western blot analysis. Deletion mutants of rtt109 and asf1 are sensitive to the DNA damaging agent methyl methanesulfonate, but not hydroxyurea. In contrast, chk2 mutants are fertile and resistant to methyl methanesulfonate, but not hydroxyurea. Our findings suggest a close functional association between ASF1 and RTT109 in the context of development, histone modification, and DNA damage response, while indicating a role for CHK2 in separate pathways of the DNA damage response.
Topics: Histones; Methyl Methanesulfonate; Molecular Chaperones; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; DNA Repair; DNA Damage; Chromatin; Cell Cycle Proteins; Histone Acetyltransferases; Acetylation; Sordariales
PubMed: 38261383
DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae019 -
Scientific Data Jan 2024A wealth of proteogenomic data has been generated using cancer samples to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer and how biological networks are altered in...
A wealth of proteogenomic data has been generated using cancer samples to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer and how biological networks are altered in association with somatic mutation of tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53 and PTEN. To generate functional signatures of TP53 or PTEN loss, we profiled the RNA and phosphoproteomes of the MCF10A epithelial cell line, along with its congenic TP53- or PTEN-knockout derivatives, upon perturbation with the monofunctional DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) vs. mock treatment. To enable quantitative and reproducible mass spectrometry data generation, the cell lines were SILAC-labeled (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture), and the experimental design included label swapping and biological replicates. All data are publicly available and may be used to advance our understanding of the TP53 and PTEN tumor suppressor genes and to provide functional signatures for bioinformatic analyses of proteogenomic datasets.
Topics: Humans; DNA Damage; Epithelial Cells; Mutation; Neoplasms; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; RNA; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 38177134
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02829-1 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023DNA mismatch repair (MMR) improves replication accuracy by up to three orders of magnitude. The MutS protein in or its eukaryotic homolog, the MutSα (Msh2-Msh6)...
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) improves replication accuracy by up to three orders of magnitude. The MutS protein in or its eukaryotic homolog, the MutSα (Msh2-Msh6) complex, recognizes base mismatches and initiates the mismatch repair mechanism. Msh6 is an essential protein for assembling the heterodimeric complex. However, the function of the Msh6 subunit remains elusive. undergoes multiple DNA replication and nuclear division processes, including mitosis, amitosis, and meiosis. Here, we found that Msh6 localized in the macronucleus (MAC) and the micronucleus (MIC) during the vegetative growth stage and starvation. During the conjugation stage, Msh6 only localized in MICs and newly developing MACs. knockout led to aberrant nuclear division during vegetative growth. The mutants were resistant to treatment with the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) compared to wild type cells. knockout affected micronuclear meiosis and gametogenesis during the conjugation stage. Furthermore, Msh6 interacted with Msh2 and MMR-independent factors. Downregulation of expression affected the stability of Msh6. In addition, knockout led to the upregulated expression of several homologs at different developmental stages. Msh6 is involved in macronuclear amitosis, micronuclear mitosis, micronuclear meiosis, and gametogenesis in .
Topics: DNA Mismatch Repair; Tetrahymena thermophila; MutS Homolog 2 Protein; Escherichia coli; DNA-Binding Proteins; Meiosis; Gametogenesis
PubMed: 38139447
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417619