Emerging models for DNA repair: Dictyostelium discoideum as a model for nonhomologous end-joining

Insights on Microsatellite Characteristics, Evolution, and Function From the Social Amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum

Microsatellites are repetitive sequences commonly found in the genomes of higher organisms. These repetitive sequences are prone to expansion or contraction, and when microsatellite expansion occurs in the regulatory or coding regions of genes this can result in a number of diseases including many neurodegenerative diseases. Unlike in humans and other organisms, the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum contains an unusually high number of microsatellites. Intriguingly, many of these microsatellites fall within the coding region of genes, resulting in nearly 10,000 homopolymeric repeat proteins within the Dictyostelium proteome. Surprisingly, among the most common of these repeats are polyglutamine repeats, a type of repeat that causes a class of nine neurodegenerative diseases in humans. In this minireview, we summarize what is currently known about homopolymeric repeats and microsatellites in Dictyostelium discoideum and discuss the potential utility of Dictyostelium for identifying novel mechanisms that utilize and regulate regions of repetitive DNA.

Linking DNA repair and cell cycle progression through serine ADP-ribosylation of histones

Although serine ADP-ribosylation (Ser-ADPr) by Poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerases is a cornerstone of the DNA damage response, how this regulates DNA repair and genome stability is unknown. Here, we exploit the ability to manipulate histone genes in Dictyostelium to identify that ADPr of the histone variant H3b at S10 and S28 maintains genome stability by integrating double strand break (DSB) repair with mitotic entry. Given the critical requirement for mitotic H3S10/28 phosphorylation, we develop separation of function mutations that maintain S10 phosphorylation whilst disrupting ADPr. Mechanistically, this reveals a requirement for H3bS10/28 ADPr in non-homologous end-joining by recruiting Ku to DSBs. Moreover, this also identifies H3bS10/S28 ADPr is critical to prevent premature mitotic entry with unresolved DNA damage, thus maintaining genome stability. Together, these data demonstrate how serine ADPr of histones coordinates DNA repair with cell cycle progression to maintain genome stability.

Dictyostelium discoideum as a Model to Assess Genome Stability Through DNA Repair

Preserving genome integrity through repair of DNA damage is critical for human health and defects in these pathways lead to a variety of pathologies, most notably cancer. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is remarkably resistant to DNA damaging agents and genome analysis reveals it contains orthologs of several DNA repair pathway components otherwise limited to vertebrates. These include the Fanconi Anemia DNA inter-strand crosslink and DNA strand break repair pathways. Loss of function of these not only results in malignancy, but also neurodegeneration, immune-deficiencies and congenital abnormalities. Additionally, D. discoideum displays remarkable conservations of DNA repair factors that are targets in cancer and other therapies, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases that are targeted to treat breast and ovarian cancers. This, taken together with the genetic tractability of D. discoideum, make it an attractive model to assess the mechanistic basis of DNA repair to provide novel insights into how these pathways can be targeted to treat a variety of pathologies. Here we describe progress in understanding the mechanisms of DNA repair in D. discoideum, and how these impact on genome stability with implications for understanding development of malignancy.

CRISPR Toolbox for Genome Editing in Dictyostelium

The development of new techniques to create gene knockouts and knock-ins is essential for successful investigation of gene functions and elucidation of the causes of diseases and their associated fundamental cellular processes. In the biomedical model organism Dictyostelium discoideum, the methodology for gene targeting with homologous recombination to generate mutants is well-established. Recently, we have applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated approaches in Dictyostelium, allowing the rapid generation of mutants by transiently expressing sgRNA and Cas9 using an all-in-one vector. CRISPR/Cas9 techniques not only provide an alternative to homologous recombination-based gene knockouts but also enable the creation of mutants that were technically unfeasible previously. Herein, we provide a detailed protocol for the CRISPR/Cas9-based method in Dictyostelium. We also describe new tools, including double knockouts using a single CRISPR vector, drug-inducible knockouts, and gene knockdown using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). We demonstrate the use of these tools for some candidate genes. Our data indicate that more suitable mutants can be rapidly generated using CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques to study gene function in Dictyostelium.

Uncovering DNA-PKcs ancient phylogeny, unique sequence motifs and insights for human disease

DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is a key member of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-like (PIKK) family of protein kinases with critical roles in DNA-double strand break repair, transcription, metastasis, mitosis, RNA processing, and innate and adaptive immunity. The absence of DNA-PKcs from many model organisms has led to the assumption that DNA-PKcs is a vertebrate-specific PIKK. Here, we find that DNA-PKcs is widely distributed in invertebrates, fungi, plants, and protists, and that threonines 2609, 2638, and 2647 of the ABCDE cluster of phosphorylation sites are highly conserved amongst most Eukaryotes. Furthermore, we identify highly conserved amino acid sequence motifs and domains that are characteristic of DNA-PKcs relative to other PIKKs. These include residues in the Forehead domain and a novel motif we have termed YRPD, located in an α helix C-terminal to the ABCDE phosphorylation site loop. Combining sequence with biochemistry plus structural data on human DNA-PKcs unveils conserved sequence and conformational features with functional insights and implications. The defined generally progressive DNA-PKcs sequence diversification uncovers conserved functionality supported by Evolutionary Trace analysis, suggesting that for many organisms both functional sites and evolutionary pressures remain identical due to fundamental cell biology. The mining of cancer genomic data and germline mutations causing human inherited disease reveal that robust DNA-PKcs activity in tumors is detrimental to patient survival, whereas germline mutations compromising function are linked to severe immunodeficiency and neuronal degeneration. We anticipate that these collective results will enable ongoing DNA-PKcs functional analyses with biological and medical implications.

Structural insights into the role of DNA-PK as a master regulator in NHEJ

DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit DNA-PKcs/PRKDC is the largest serine/threonine protein kinase of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase-like protein kinase (PIKK) family and is the most highly expressed PIKK in human cells. With its DNA-binding partner Ku70/80, DNA-PKcs is required for regulated and efficient repair of ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks via the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. Loss of DNA-PKcs or other NHEJ factors leads to radiation sensitivity and unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), as well as defects in V(D)J recombination and immune defects. In this review, we highlight the contributions of the late Dr. Carl W. Anderson to the discovery and early characterization of DNA-PK. We furthermore build upon his foundational work to provide recent insights into the structure of NHEJ synaptic complexes, an evolutionarily conserved and functionally important YRPD motif, and the role of DNA-PKcs and its phosphorylation in NHEJ. The combined results identify DNA-PKcs as a master regulator that is activated by its detection of two double-strand DNA ends for a cascade of phosphorylation events that provide specificity and efficiency in assembling the synaptic complex for NHEJ.

Mode and Tempo of Microsatellite Length Change in a Malaria Parasite Mutation Accumulation Experiment

Malaria parasites have small extremely AT-rich genomes: microsatellite repeats (1–9 bp) comprise 11% of the genome and genetic variation in natural populations is dominated by repeat changes in microsatellites rather than point mutations. This experiment was designed to quantify microsatellite mutation patterns in Plasmodium falciparum. We established 31 parasite cultures derived from a single parasite cell and maintained these for 114–267 days with frequent reductions to a single cell, so parasites accumulated mutations during ∼13,207 cell divisions. We Illumina sequenced the genomes of both progenitor and end-point mutation accumulation (MA) parasite lines in duplicate to validate stringent calling parameters. Microsatellite calls were 99.89% (GATK), 99.99% (freeBayes), and 99.96% (HipSTR) concordant in duplicate sequence runs from independent sequence libraries, whereas introduction of microsatellite mutations into the reference genome revealed a low false negative calling rate (0.68%). We observed 98 microsatellite mutations. We highlight several conclusions: microsatellite mutation rates (3.12 × 10⁻⁷ to 2.16 × 10⁻⁸/cell division) are associated with both repeat number and repeat motif like other organisms studied. However, 41% of changes resulted from loss or gain of more than one repeat: this was particularly true for long repeat arrays. Unlike other eukaryotes, we found no insertions or deletions that were not associated with repeats or homology regions. Overall, microsatellite mutation rates are among the lowest recorded and comparable to those in another AT-rich protozoan (Dictyostelium). However, a single infection (>10¹¹ parasites) will still contain over 2.16 × 10³ to 3.12 × 10⁴ independent mutations at any single microsatellite locus.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) regulates developmental morphogenesis and chemotaxis in Dictyostelium discoideum

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) has been attributed to varied roles in DNA repair, cell cycle, cell death, etc. Our previous reports demonstrate the role of PARP-1 during Dictyostelium discoideum development by its constitutive downregulation as well as by PARP-1 ortholog, ADP ribosyl transferase 1 A (ADPRT1A) overexpression. The current study analyses and strengthens the function of ADPRT1A in multicellular morphogenesis of D. discoideum. ADPRT1A was knocked out, and its effect was studied on cAMP signalling, chemotaxis and development of D. discoideum.

RESULTS

We report that ADPRT1A is essential in multicellular development of D. discoideum, particularly at the aggregation stage. Genetic alterations of ADPRT1A and chemical inhibition of its activity affects the intracellular and extracellular cAMP levels during aggregation along with chemotaxis. Exogenous cAMP pulses could rescue this defect in the ADPRT1A knockout (ADPRT1A KO). Expression analysis of genes involved in cAMP signalling reveals altered transcript levels of four essential genes (PDSA, REGA, ACAA and CARA). Moreover, ADPRT1A KO affects prespore- and prestalk-specific gene expression and prestalk tendency is favoured in the ADPRT1A KO.

CONCLUSION

ADPRT1A plays a definite role in regulating developmental morphogenesis via cAMP signalling.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study helps in understanding the role of PARP-1 in multicellular development and differentiation in higher complex organisms.

Evolutionary diversity and novelty of DNA repair genes in asexual Bdelloid rotifers

Background

Bdelloid rotifers are the oldest, most diverse and successful animal taxon for which males, hermaphrodites, and traditional meiosis are unknown. Their degenerate tetraploid genome, with 2–4 copies of most loci, includes thousands of genes acquired from all domains of life by horizontal transfer. Many bdelloid species thrive in ephemerally aquatic habitats by surviving desiccation at any life stage with no loss of fecundity or lifespan. Their unique genomic diversity and the intense selective pressure of desiccation provide an exceptional opportunity to study the evolution of diversity and novelty in genes involved in DNA repair.

Results

We used genomic data and RNA-Seq of the desiccation process in the bdelloid Adineta vaga to characterize DNA damage reversal, translesion synthesis, and the major DNA repair pathways: base, nucleotide, and alternate excision repair, mismatch repair (MMR), and double strand break repair by homologous recombination (HR) and classical non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). We identify multiple horizontally transferred DNA damage response genes otherwise unknown in animals (AlkD, Fpg, LigK UVDE), and the presence of genes often considered vertebrate specific, particularly in the NHEJ complex and X family polymerases. While 75–100% of genes involved in MMR and HR are present in 0–2 copies, genes involved in NHEJ, which are present in only a single copy in nearly all other animals, are retained in 3–8 copies. We present structural predictions and expression evidence of neo- or sub-functionalization of multiple copy genes involved in NHEJ and other repair processes.

Conclusion

The horizontally-acquired genes and duplicated genes in BER and NHEJ suggest resilience to oxidative damage is conferred in part by increased DNA damage recognition and efficient end repair capabilities. The pattern of gene loss and retention in MMR and HR may facilitate recombination and gene conversion between divergent sequences, thus providing at least some of the benefits of sex. The unique retention and divergence of duplicates genes in NHEJ may be facilitated by the lack of efficient selection in the absence of meiotic recombination and independent assortment, and may contribute to the evolutionary success of bdelloids.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1288-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Rapid and efficient genetic engineering of both wild type and axenic strains of Dictyostelium discoideum

Dictyostelium has a mature technology for molecular-genetic manipulation based around transfection using several different selectable markers, marker re-cycling, homologous recombination and insertional mutagenesis, all supported by a well-annotated genome. However this technology is optimized for mutant, axenic cells that, unlike non-axenic wild type, can grow in liquid medium. There is a pressing need for methods to manipulate wild type cells and ones with defects in macropinocytosis, neither of which can grow in liquid media. Here we present a panel of molecular genetic techniques based on the selection of Dictyostelium transfectants by growth on bacteria rather than liquid media. As well as extending the range of strains that can be manipulated, these techniques are faster than conventional methods, often giving usable numbers of transfected cells within a few days. The methods and plasmids described here allow efficient transfection with extrachromosomal vectors, as well as chromosomal integration at a 'safe haven' for relatively uniform cell-to-cell expression, efficient gene knock-in and knock-out and an inducible expression system. We have thus created a complete new system for the genetic manipulation of Dictyostelium cells that no longer requires cell feeding on liquid media.

Site-specific ADP-ribosylation of histone H2B in response to DNA double strand breaks

ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) modify proteins with single units or polymers of ADP-ribose to regulate DNA repair. However, the substrates for these enzymes are ill-defined. For example, although histones are modified by ARTs, the sites on these proteins ADP-ribosylated following DNA damage and the ARTs that catalyse these events are unknown. This, in part, is due to the lack of a eukaryotic model that contains ARTs, in addition to histone genes that can be manipulated to assess ADP-ribosylation events in vivo. Here we exploit the model Dictyostelium to identify site-specific histone ADP-ribosylation events in vivo and define the ARTs that mediate these modifications. Dictyostelium histones are modified in response to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in vivo by the ARTs Adprt1a and Adprt2. Adprt1a is a mono-ART that modifies H2BE18 in vitro, although disruption of this site allows ADP-ribosylation at H2BE19. Although redundancy between H2BE18 and H2BE19 ADP-ribosylation is also apparent following DSBs in vivo, by generating a strain with mutations at E18/E19 in the h2b locus we demonstrate these are the principal sites modified by Adprt1a/Adprt2. This identifies DNA damage induced histone mono-ADP-ribosylation sites by specific ARTs in vivo, providing a unique platform to assess how histone ADP-ribosylation regulates DNA repair.