1
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Fontes MRM, Cardoso FF, Kobe B. Transport of DNA repair proteins to the cell nucleus by the classical nuclear importin pathway - a structural overview. DNA Repair (Amst) 2025; 149:103828. [PMID: 40154194 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2025.103828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2025] [Accepted: 03/16/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025]
Abstract
DNA repair is a crucial biological process necessary to address damage caused by both endogenous and exogenous agents, with at least five major pathways recognized as central to this process. In several cancer types and other diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, DNA repair mechanisms are often disrupted or dysregulated. Despite the diversity of these proteins and their roles, they all share the common requirement of being imported into the cell nucleus to perform their functions. Therefore, understanding the nuclear import of these proteins is essential for comprehending their roles in cellular processes. The first and best-characterized nuclear targeting signal is the classical nuclear localization sequence (NLS), recognized by importin-α (Impα). Several structural and affinity studies have been conducted on complexes formed between Impα and NLSs from DNA repair proteins, although these represent only a fraction of all known DNA repair proteins. These studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the nuclear import process of DNA repair proteins, often revealing unexpected results that challenge existing literature and computational predictions. Despite advances in computational, biochemical, and cellular assays, structural methods - particularly crystallography and in-solution biophysical approaches - continue to play a critical role in providing insights into molecular events operating in biological pathways. In this review, we aim to summarize experimental structural and affinity studies involving Impα and NLSs from DNA repair proteins, with the goal of furthering our understanding of the function of these essential proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Estudos Avançados do Mar (IEAMar), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fábio F Cardoso
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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2
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Vogt A, He Y. Structure and mechanism in non-homologous end joining. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 130:103547. [PMID: 37556875 PMCID: PMC10528545 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) are a particularly challenging form of DNA damage to repair because the damaged DNA must not only undergo the chemical reactions responsible for returning it to its original state, but, additionally, the two free ends can become physically separated in the nucleus and must be bridged prior to repair. In nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), one of the major pathways of DSB repair, repair is carried out by a number of repair factors capable of binding to and directly joining DNA ends. It has been unclear how these processes are carried out at a molecular level, owing in part to the lack of structural evidence describing the coordination of the NHEJ factors with each other and a DNA substrate. Advances in cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), allowing for the structural characterization of large protein complexes that would be intractable using other techniques, have led to the visualization several key steps of the NHEJ process, which support a model of sequential assembly of repair factors at the DSB, followed by end-bridging mediated by protein-protein complexes and transition to full synapsis. Here we examine the structural evidence for these models, devoting particular attention to recent work identifying a new NHEJ intermediate state and incorporating new NHEJ factors into the general mechanism. We also discuss the evolving understanding of end-bridging mechanisms in NHEJ and DNA-PKcs's role in mediating DSB repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Vogt
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA
| | - Yuan He
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
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3
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Human DNA-dependent protein kinase activation mechanism. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:140-147. [PMID: 36604499 PMCID: PMC9935390 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00881-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), a multicomponent complex including the DNA-PK catalytic subunit and Ku70/80 heterodimer together with DNA, is central to human DNA damage response and repair. Using a DNA-PK-selective inhibitor (M3814), we identified from one dataset two cryo-EM structures of the human DNA-PK complex in different states, the intermediate state and the active state. Here we show that activation of the kinase is regulated through conformational changes caused by the binding ligand and the string region (residues 802-846) of the DNA-PK catalytic subunit, particularly the helix-hairpin-helix motif (residues 816-836) that interacts with DNA. These observations demonstrate the regulatory role of the ligand and explain why DNA-PK is DNA dependent. Cooperation and coordination among binding partners, disordered flexible regions and mechanically flexible HEAT repeats modulate the activation of the kinase. Together with previous findings, these results provide a better molecular understanding of DNA-PK catalysis.
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4
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Ali A, Xiao W, Babar ME, Bi Y. Double-Stranded Break Repair in Mammalian Cells and Precise Genome Editing. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050737. [PMID: 35627122 PMCID: PMC9142082 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, double-strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired predominantly by error-prone non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), but less prevalently by error-free template-dependent homologous recombination (HR). DSB repair pathway selection is the bedrock for genome editing. NHEJ results in random mutations when repairing DSB, while HR induces high-fidelity sequence-specific variations, but with an undesirable low efficiency. In this review, we first discuss the latest insights into the action mode of NHEJ and HR in a panoramic view. We then propose the future direction of genome editing by virtue of these advancements. We suggest that by switching NHEJ to HR, full fidelity genome editing and robust gene knock-in could be enabled. We also envision that RNA molecules could be repurposed by RNA-templated DSB repair to mediate precise genetic editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhtar Ali
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding of Hubei Province, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (A.A.); (W.X.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Wei Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding of Hubei Province, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (A.A.); (W.X.)
| | - Masroor Ellahi Babar
- The University of Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, Pakistan;
| | - Yanzhen Bi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding of Hubei Province, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (A.A.); (W.X.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-151-0714-8708
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5
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Druggable binding sites in the multicomponent assemblies that characterise DNA double-strand-break repair through non-homologous end joining. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:791-806. [PMID: 32579168 PMCID: PMC7588668 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is one of the two principal damage repair pathways for DNA double-strand breaks in cells. In this review, we give a brief overview of the system including a discussion of the effects of deregulation of NHEJ components in carcinogenesis and resistance to cancer therapy. We then discuss the relevance of targeting NHEJ components pharmacologically as a potential cancer therapy and review previous approaches to orthosteric regulation of NHEJ factors. Given the limited success of previous investigations to develop inhibitors against individual components, we give a brief discussion of the recent advances in computational and structural biology that allow us to explore different targets, with a particular focus on modulating protein-protein interaction interfaces. We illustrate this discussion with three examples showcasing some current approaches to developing protein-protein interaction inhibitors to modulate the assembly of NHEJ multiprotein complexes in space and time.
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6
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Abbasi S, Parmar G, Kelly RD, Balasuriya N, Schild-Poulter C. The Ku complex: recent advances and emerging roles outside of non-homologous end-joining. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4589-4613. [PMID: 33855626 PMCID: PMC11071882 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1981, the Ku complex has been extensively studied under multiple cellular contexts, with most work focusing on Ku in terms of its essential role in non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). In this process, Ku is well-known as the DNA-binding subunit for DNA-PK, which is central to the NHEJ repair process. However, in addition to the extensive study of Ku's role in DNA repair, Ku has also been implicated in various other cellular processes including transcription, the DNA damage response, DNA replication, telomere maintenance, and has since been studied in multiple contexts, growing into a multidisciplinary point of research across various fields. Some advances have been driven by clarification of Ku's structure, including the original Ku crystal structure and the more recent Ku-DNA-PKcs crystallography, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) studies, and the identification of various post-translational modifications. Here, we focus on the advances made in understanding the Ku heterodimer outside of non-homologous end-joining, and across a variety of model organisms. We explore unique structural and functional aspects, detail Ku expression, conservation, and essentiality in different species, discuss the evidence for its involvement in a diverse range of cellular functions, highlight Ku protein interactions and recent work concerning Ku-binding motifs, and finally, we summarize the clinical Ku-related research to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Abbasi
- Robarts Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Gursimran Parmar
- Robarts Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Rachel D Kelly
- Robarts Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Nileeka Balasuriya
- Robarts Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Caroline Schild-Poulter
- Robarts Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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7
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Zahid S, Seif El Dahan M, Iehl F, Fernandez-Varela P, Le Du MH, Ropars V, Charbonnier JB. The Multifaceted Roles of Ku70/80. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084134. [PMID: 33923616 PMCID: PMC8073936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are accidental lesions generated by various endogenous or exogenous stresses. DSBs are also genetically programmed events during the V(D)J recombination process, meiosis, or other genome rearrangements, and they are intentionally generated to kill cancer during chemo- and radiotherapy. Most DSBs are processed in mammalian cells by the classical nonhomologous end-joining (c-NHEJ) pathway. Understanding the molecular basis of c-NHEJ has major outcomes in several fields, including radiobiology, cancer therapy, immune disease, and genome editing. The heterodimer Ku70/80 (Ku) is a central actor of the c-NHEJ as it rapidly recognizes broken DNA ends in the cell and protects them from nuclease activity. It subsequently recruits many c-NHEJ effectors, including nucleases, polymerases, and the DNA ligase 4 complex. Beyond its DNA repair function, Ku is also involved in several other DNA metabolism processes. Here, we review the structural and functional data on the DNA and RNA recognition properties of Ku implicated in DNA repair and in telomeres maintenance.
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8
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Hnízda A, Tesina P, Nguyen TB, Kukačka Z, Kater L, Chaplin AK, Beckmann R, Ascher DB, Novák P, Blundell TL. SAP domain forms a flexible part of DNA aperture in Ku70/80. FEBS J 2021; 288:4382-4393. [PMID: 33511782 PMCID: PMC8653891 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is a DNA repair mechanism that religates double-strand DNA breaks to maintain genomic integrity during the entire cell cycle. The Ku70/80 complex recognizes DNA breaks and serves as an essential hub for recruitment of NHEJ components. Here, we describe intramolecular interactions of the Ku70 C-terminal domain, known as the SAP domain. Using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometric analysis of intermolecular cross-linking and molecular modelling simulations, we captured variable positions of the SAP domain depending on DNA binding. The first position was localized at the DNA aperture in the Ku70/80 apo form but was not observed in the DNA-bound state. The second position, which was observed in both apo and DNA-bound states, was found below the DNA aperture, close to the helical arm of Ku70. The localization of the SAP domain in the DNA aperture suggests a function as a flexible entry gate for broken DNA. DATABASES: EM maps have been deposited in EMDB (EMD-11933). Coordinates have been deposited in Protein Data Bank (PDB 7AXZ). Other data are available from corresponding authors upon a request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Hnízda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Petr Tesina
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Munich, Germany
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- Computational and Systems Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Computational Biology and Clinical Informatics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zdeněk Kukačka
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Kater
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Munich, Germany
| | - Amanda K Chaplin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roland Beckmann
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Munich, Germany
| | - David B Ascher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Computational and Systems Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Computational Biology and Clinical Informatics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Petr Novák
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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9
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Hepburn M, Saltzberg DJ, Lee L, Fang S, Atkinson C, Strynadka NCJ, Sali A, Lees-Miller SP, Schriemer DC. The active DNA-PK holoenzyme occupies a tensed state in a staggered synaptic complex. Structure 2021; 29:467-478.e6. [PMID: 33412091 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) of a DNA double-strand break, DNA ends are bound and protected by DNA-PK, which synapses across the break to tether the broken ends and initiate repair. There is little clarity surrounding the nature of the synaptic complex and the mechanism governing the transition to repair. We report an integrative structure of the synaptic complex at a precision of 13.5 Å, revealing a symmetric head-to-head arrangement with a large offset in the DNA ends and an extensive end-protection mechanism involving a previously uncharacterized plug domain. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry identifies an allosteric pathway connecting DNA end-binding with the kinase domain that places DNA-PK under tension in the kinase-active state. We present a model for the transition from end-protection to repair, where the synaptic complex supports hierarchical processing of the ends and scaffold assembly, requiring displacement of the catalytic subunit and tension release through kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Hepburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel J Saltzberg
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Linda Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shujuan Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Claire Atkinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and High-Resolution Macromolecular Electron Microscopy Facility, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Natalie C J Strynadka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and High-Resolution Macromolecular Electron Microscopy Facility, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Andrej Sali
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Susan P Lees-Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David C Schriemer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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10
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Dimers of DNA-PK create a stage for DNA double-strand break repair. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 28:13-19. [DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-00517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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11
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Structural mechanism of DNA-end synapsis in the non-homologous end joining pathway for repairing double-strand breaks: bridge over troubled ends. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 47:1609-1619. [PMID: 31829407 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is a major repair pathway for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which is the most toxic DNA damage in cells. Unrepaired DSBs can cause genome instability, tumorigenesis or cell death. DNA end synapsis is the first and probably the most important step of the NHEJ pathway, aiming to bring two broken DNA ends close together and provide structural stability for end processing and ligation. This process is mediated through a group of NHEJ proteins forming higher-order complexes, to recognise and bridge two DNA ends. Spatial and temporal understanding of the structural mechanism of DNA-end synapsis has been largely advanced through recent structural and single-molecule studies of NHEJ proteins. This review focuses on core NHEJ proteins that mediate DNA end synapsis through their unique structures and interaction properties, as well as how they play roles as anchor and linker proteins during the process of 'bridge over troubled ends'.
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12
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Wu Q, Liang S, Ochi T, Chirgadze DY, Huiskonen JT, Blundell TL. Understanding the structure and role of DNA-PK in NHEJ: How X-ray diffraction and cryo-EM contribute in complementary ways. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 147:26-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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13
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Multicomponent assemblies in DNA-double-strand break repair by NHEJ. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 55:154-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Yan Q, Zhu H, Lan L, Yi J, Yang J. Cleavage of Ku80 by caspase-2 promotes non-homologous end joining-mediated DNA repair. DNA Repair (Amst) 2017; 60:18-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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15
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Abstract
DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a large protein complex central to the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA-repair pathway. It comprises the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and the heterodimer of DNA-binding proteins Ku70 and Ku80. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human DNA-PKcs at 4.4-Å resolution and the DNA-PK holoenzyme at 5.8-Å resolution. The DNA-PKcs structure contains three distinct segments: the N-terminal region with an arm and a bridge, the circular cradle, and the head that includes the kinase domain. Two perpendicular apertures exist in the structure, which are sufficiently large for the passage of dsDNA. The DNA-PK holoenzyme cryo-EM map reveals density for the C-terminal globular domain of Ku80 that interacts with the arm of DNA-PKcs. The Ku80-binding site is adjacent to the previously identified density for the DNA-binding region of the Ku70/Ku80 complex, suggesting concerted DNA interaction by DNA-PKcs and the Ku complex.
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16
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Radhakrishnan SK, Lees-Miller SP. DNA requirements for interaction of the C-terminal region of Ku80 with the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). DNA Repair (Amst) 2017. [PMID: 28641126 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major pathway for the repair of ionizing radiation induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in human cells. Critical to NHEJ is the DNA-dependent interaction of the Ku70/80 heterodimer with the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to form the DNA-PK holoenzyme. However, precisely how Ku recruits DNA-PKcs to DSBs ends to enhance its kinase activity has remained enigmatic, with contradictory findings reported in the literature. Here we address the role of the Ku80 C-terminal region (CTR) in the DNA-dependent interaction of Ku70/80 with DNA-PKcs using purified components and defined DNA structures. Our results show that the Ku80 CTR is required for interaction with DNA-PKcs on short segments of blunt ended 25bp dsDNA or 25bp dsDNA with a 15-base poly dA single stranded (ss) DNA extension, but this requirement is less stringent on longer dsDNA molecules (35bp blunt ended dsDNA) or 25bp duplex DNA with either a 15-base poly dT or poly dC ssDNA extension. Moreover, the DNA-PKcs-Ku complex preferentially forms on 25 bp DNA with a poly-pyrimidine ssDNA extension.Our work clarifies the role of the Ku80 CTR and dsDNA ends on the interaction of DNA-PKcs with Ku and provides key information to guide assembly and biology of NHEJ complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarvan Kumar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Susan P Lees-Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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17
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Brosey CA, Ahmed Z, Lees-Miller SP, Tainer JA. What Combined Measurements From Structures and Imaging Tell Us About DNA Damage Responses. Methods Enzymol 2017; 592:417-455. [PMID: 28668129 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage outcomes depend upon the efficiency and fidelity of DNA damage responses (DDRs) for different cells and damage. As such, DDRs represent tightly regulated prototypical systems for linking nanoscale biomolecular structure and assembly to the biology of genomic regulation and cell signaling. However, the dynamic and multifunctional nature of DDR assemblies can render elusive the correlation between the structures of DDR factors and specific biological disruptions to the DDR when these structures are altered. In this chapter, we discuss concepts and strategies for combining structural, biophysical, and imaging techniques to investigate DDR recognition and regulation, and thus bridge sequence-level structural biochemistry to quantitative biological outcomes visualized in cells. We focus on representative DDR responses from PARP/PARG/AIF damage signaling in DNA single-strand break repair and nonhomologous end joining complexes in double-strand break repair. Methods with exemplary experimental results are considered with a focus on strategies for probing flexibility, conformational changes, and assembly processes that shape a predictive understanding of DDR mechanisms in a cellular context. Integration of structural and imaging measurements promises to provide foundational knowledge to rationally control and optimize DNA damage outcomes for synthetic lethality and for immune activation with resulting insights for biology and cancer interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris A Brosey
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zamal Ahmed
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Susan P Lees-Miller
- Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - John A Tainer
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States.
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18
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Sibanda BL, Chirgadze DY, Ascher DB, Blundell TL. DNA-PKcs structure suggests an allosteric mechanism modulating DNA double-strand break repair. Science 2017; 355:520-524. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aak9654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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19
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Sastre-Moreno G, Pryor JM, Moreno-Oñate M, Herrero-Ruiz AM, Cortés-Ledesma F, Blanco L, Ramsden DA, Ruiz JF. Regulation of human polλ by ATM-mediated phosphorylation during non-homologous end joining. DNA Repair (Amst) 2017; 51:31-45. [PMID: 28109743 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) trigger a variety of cellular signaling processes, collectively termed the DNA-damage response (DDR), that are primarily regulated by protein kinase ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Among DDR activated processes, the repair of DSBs by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is essential. The proper coordination of NHEJ factors is mainly achieved through phosphorylation by an ATM-related kinase, the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), although the molecular basis for this regulation has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study we identify the major NHEJ DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase lambda (Polλ), as a target for both ATM and DNA-PKcs in human cells. We show that Polλ is efficiently phosphorylated by DNA-PKcs in vitro and predominantly by ATM after DSB induction with ionizing radiation (IR) in vivo. We identify threonine 204 (T204) as a main target for ATM/DNA-PKcs phosphorylation on human Polλ, and establish that its phosphorylation may facilitate the repair of a subset of IR-induced DSBs and the efficient Polλ-mediated gap-filling during NHEJ. Molecular evidence suggests that Polλ phosphorylation might favor Polλ interaction with the DNA-PK complex at DSBs. Altogether, our work provides the first demonstration of how Polλ is regulated by phosphorylation to connect with the NHEJ core machinery during DSB repair in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Sastre-Moreno
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid/CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - John M Pryor
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Marta Moreno-Oñate
- Departamento Bioquímica Vegetal y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41092, Spain; Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Andrés M Herrero-Ruiz
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Felipe Cortés-Ledesma
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Luis Blanco
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid/CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Dale A Ramsden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jose F Ruiz
- Departamento Bioquímica Vegetal y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41092, Spain; Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Sevilla 41092, Spain.
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Personalised Medicine: Genome Maintenance Lessons Learned from Studies in Yeast as a Model Organism. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1007:157-178. [PMID: 28840557 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60733-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Yeast research has been tremendously contributing to the understanding of a variety of molecular pathways due to the ease of its genetic manipulation, fast doubling time as well as being cost-effective. The understanding of these pathways did not only help scientists learn more about the cellular functions but also assisted in deciphering the genetic and cellular defects behind multiple diseases. Hence, yeast research not only opened the doors for transforming basic research into applied research, but also paved the roads for improving diagnosis and innovating personalized therapy of different diseases. In this chapter, we discuss how yeast research has contributed to understanding major genome maintenance pathways such as the S-phase checkpoint activation pathways, repair via homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining as well as topoisomerases-induced protein linked DNA breaks repair. Defects in these pathways lead to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Thus, the understanding of the exact genetic defects underlying these diseases allowed the development of personalized medicine, improving the diagnosis and treatment and overcoming the detriments of current conventional therapies such as the side effects, toxicity as well as drug resistance.
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Strande NT, Carvajal-Garcia J, Hallett RA, Waters CA, Roberts SA, Strom C, Kuhlman B, Ramsden DA. Requirements for 5'dRP/AP lyase activity in Ku. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:11136-43. [PMID: 25200085 PMCID: PMC4176175 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway is used in diverse species to repair chromosome breaks, and is defined in part by a requirement for Ku. We previously demonstrated mammalian Ku has intrinsic 5′ deoxyribosephosphate (5′dRP) and apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) lyase activity, and showed this activity is important for excising abasic site damage from ends. Here we employ systematic mutagenesis to clarify the protein requirements for this activity. We identify lysine 31 in the 70 kD subunit (Ku70 K31) as the primary candidate nucleophile required for catalysis, but additional mutation of Ku70 K160 and six other lysines within Ku80 were required to eliminate all activity. Ku from Saccharomyces cerevisiae also possesses 5′dRP/AP lyase activity, and robust activity was also reliant on lysines in Ku70 analogous to K31 and K160. By comparison, these lysines are not conserved in Xenopus laevis Ku, and Ku from this species has negligible activity. A role for residues flanking Ku70 K31 in expanding the range of abasic site contexts that can be used as substrate was also identified. Our results suggest an active site well located to provide the substrate specificity required for its biological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha T Strande
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Juan Carvajal-Garcia
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Ryan A Hallett
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Crystal A Waters
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Steven A Roberts
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Christina Strom
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Dale A Ramsden
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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22
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Villarreal SA, Stewart PL. CryoEM and image sorting for flexible protein/DNA complexes. J Struct Biol 2014; 187:76-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Grundy GJ, Moulding HA, Caldecott KW, Rulten SL. One ring to bring them all--the role of Ku in mammalian non-homologous end joining. DNA Repair (Amst) 2014; 17:30-8. [PMID: 24680220 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2014.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The repair of DNA double strand breaks is essential for cell survival and several conserved pathways have evolved to ensure their rapid and efficient repair. The non-homologous end joining pathway is initiated when Ku binds to the DNA break site. Ku is an abundant nuclear heterodimer of Ku70 and Ku80 with a toroidal structure that allows the protein to slide over the broken DNA end and bind with high affinity. Once locked into placed, Ku acts as a tool-belt to recruit multiple interacting proteins, forming one or more non-homologous end joining complexes that act in a regulated manner to ensure efficient repair of DNA ends. Here we review the structure and functions of Ku and the proteins with which it interacts during non-homologous end joining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle J Grundy
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Science Park Road, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RQ, UK.
| | - Hayley A Moulding
- School of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Keith W Caldecott
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Science Park Road, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RQ, UK.
| | - Stuart L Rulten
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Science Park Road, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RQ, UK.
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Williams GJ, Hammel M, Radhakrishnan SK, Ramsden D, Lees-Miller SP, Tainer JA. Structural insights into NHEJ: building up an integrated picture of the dynamic DSB repair super complex, one component and interaction at a time. DNA Repair (Amst) 2014; 17:110-20. [PMID: 24656613 PMCID: PMC4102006 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major pathway for repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in human cells. NHEJ is also needed for V(D)J recombination and the development of T and B cells in vertebrate immune systems, and acts in both the generation and prevention of non-homologous chromosomal translocations, a hallmark of genomic instability and many human cancers. X-ray crystal structures, cryo-electron microscopy envelopes, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) solution conformations and assemblies are defining most of the core protein components for NHEJ: Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer; the DNA dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs); the structure-specific endonuclease Artemis along with polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase (PNKP), aprataxin and PNKP related protein (APLF); the scaffolding proteins XRCC4 and XLF (XRCC4-like factor); DNA polymerases, and DNA ligase IV (Lig IV). The dynamic assembly of multi-protein NHEJ complexes at DSBs is regulated in part by protein phosphorylation. The basic steps of NHEJ have been biochemically defined to require: (1) DSB detection by the Ku heterodimer with subsequent DNA-PKcs tethering to form the DNA-PKcs-Ku-DNA complex (termed DNA-PK), (2) lesion processing, and (3) DNA end ligation by Lig IV, which functions in complex with XRCC4 and XLF. The current integration of structures by combined methods is resolving puzzles regarding the mechanisms, coordination and regulation of these three basic steps. Overall, structural results suggest the NHEJ system forms a flexing scaffold with the DNA-PKcs HEAT repeats acting as compressible macromolecular springs suitable to store and release conformational energy to apply forces to regulate NHEJ complexes and the DNA substrate for DNA end protection, processing, and ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth J Williams
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Michal Hammel
- Physical Biosciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Sarvan Kumar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2 N 4N1 Canada
| | - Dale Ramsden
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 2759, United States
| | - Susan P Lees-Miller
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2 N 4N1 Canada; Department of Oncology, Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2 N 4N1 Canada.
| | - John A Tainer
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Department of Molecular Biology, Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
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Chiruvella KK, Liang Z, Wilson TE. Repair of double-strand breaks by end joining. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2013; 5:a012757. [PMID: 23637284 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a012757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) refers to a set of genome maintenance pathways in which two DNA double-strand break (DSB) ends are (re)joined by apposition, processing, and ligation without the use of extended homology to guide repair. Canonical NHEJ (c-NHEJ) is a well-defined pathway with clear roles in protecting the integrity of chromosomes when DSBs arise. Recent advances have revealed much about the identity, structure, and function of c-NHEJ proteins, but many questions exist regarding their concerted action in the context of chromatin. Alternative NHEJ (alt-NHEJ) refers to more recently described mechanism(s) that repair DSBs in less-efficient backup reactions. There is great interest in defining alt-NHEJ more precisely, including its regulation relative to c-NHEJ, in light of evidence that alt-NHEJ can execute chromosome rearrangements. Progress toward these goals is reviewed.
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Ku regulates signaling to DNA damage response pathways through the Ku70 von Willebrand A domain. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 32:76-87. [PMID: 22037767 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.05661-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ku heterodimer (Ku70/Ku80) is a main component of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway that repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Ku binds the broken DNA end and recruits other proteins to facilitate the processing and ligation of the broken end. While Ku interacts with many proteins involved in DNA damage/repair-related functions, few interactions have been mapped to the N-terminal von Willebrand A (vWA) domain, a predicted protein interaction domain. The mutagenesis of Ku70 vWA domain S155/D156 unexpectedly increased cell survival following ionizing radiation (IR) treatment. DNA repair appeared unaffected, but defects in the activation of apoptosis and alterations in the DNA damage signaling response were identified. In particular, Ku70 S155A/D156A affected the IR-induced transcriptional response of several activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2)-regulated genes involved in apoptosis regulation. ATF2 phosphorylation and recruitment to DNA damage-induced foci was increased in Ku70-deficient cells, suggesting that Ku represses ATF2 activation. Ku70 S155A/D156A substitutions further enhanced this repression. S155A substitution alone was sufficient to confer enhanced survival, whereas alteration to a phosphomimetic residue (S155D) reversed this effect, suggesting that S155 is a phosphorylation site. Thus, these findings infer that Ku links signals from the DNA repair machinery to DNA damage signaling regulators that control apoptotic pathways.
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27
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Hu S, Cucinotta FA. Computational studies on full-length Ku70 with DNA duplexes: base interactions and a helical path. J Mol Model 2011; 18:1935-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-011-1220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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Takeda AAS, de Barros AC, Chang CW, Kobe B, Fontes MRM. Structural basis of importin-α-mediated nuclear transport for Ku70 and Ku80. J Mol Biol 2011; 412:226-34. [PMID: 21806995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ku70 and Ku80 form a heterodimeric complex involved in multiple nuclear processes. This complex plays a key role in DNA repair due to its ability to bind DNA double-strand breaks and facilitate repair by the nonhomologous end-joining pathway. Ku70 and Ku80 have been proposed to contain bipartite and monopartite nuclear localization sequences (NLSs), respectively, that allow them to be translocated to the nucleus independently of each other via the classical importin-α (Impα)/importin-β-mediated nuclear import pathway. To determine the structural basis of the recognition of Ku70 and Ku80 proteins by Impα, we solved the crystal structures of the complexes of Impα with the peptides corresponding to the Ku70 and Ku80 NLSs. Our structural studies confirm the binding of the Ku80 NLS as a classical monopartite NLS but reveal an unexpected binding mode for Ku70 NLS with only one basic cluster bound to the receptor. Both Ku70 and Ku80 therefore contain monopartite NLSs, and sequences outside the basic cluster make favorable interactions with Impα, suggesting that this may be a general feature in monopartite NLSs. We show that the Ku70 NLS has a higher affinity for Impα than the Ku80 NLS, consistent with more extensive interactions in its N-terminal region. The prospect of nuclear import of Ku70 and Ku80 independently of each other provides a powerful regulatory mechanism for the function of the Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer and independent functions of the two proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes A S Takeda
- Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP 18618-970, Brazil
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29
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Kong X, Shen Y, Jiang N, Fei X, Mi J. Emerging roles of DNA-PK besides DNA repair. Cell Signal 2011; 23:1273-80. [PMID: 21514376 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Revised: 03/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a DNA-activated serine/threonine protein kinase, and abundantly expressed in almost all mammalian cells. The roles of DNA-PK in DNA-damage repair pathways, including non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair and homologous recombinant (HR) repair, have been studied intensively. However, the high levels of DNA-PK in human cells are somewhat paradoxical in that it does not impart any increased ability to repair DNA damage. If DNA-PK essentially exceeds the demand for DNA damage repair, why do human cells universally express such high levels of this huge complex? DNA-PK has been recently reported to be involved in metabolic gene regulation in response to feeding/insulin stimulation; our studies have also suggested a role of DNA-PK in the regulation of the homeostasis of cell proliferation. These novel findings expand our horizons about the importance of DNA-PK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianming Kong
- Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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30
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Yano KI, Morotomi-Yano K, Lee KJ, Chen DJ. Functional significance of the interaction with Ku in DNA double-strand break recognition of XLF. FEBS Lett 2011; 585:841-6. [PMID: 21349273 PMCID: PMC3066473 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ku heterodimer is essential for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Ku recruits XLF, also known as Cernunnos, to DSBs. Here we report domain analyses of Ku-XLF interaction. The heterodimeric domain of Ku was found to be sufficient for the recruitment of XLF to DSBs and for the interaction of Ku with XLF. A small C-terminal deletion of XLF completely abolished recruitment of XLF to DSBs and Ku-XLF interaction. This deletion also led to marked reduction of XLF-XRCC4 interaction although the XRCC4-binding site on the XLF N-terminal domain remained intact. These results demonstrate the significance of Ku-XLF interaction in the molecular assembly of NHEJ factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi Yano
- Bioelectrics Research Center, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
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31
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Abstract
Ku plays a crucial role in the non-homologous end joining pathway to repair DNA double-strand breaks. In this study, we modelled the full-length Ku heterodimer from the truncated crystal structure and NMR structure, and conducted a series of docking and molecular dynamics simulations in an effort to probe the structural, dynamical and energetic features of each domain in free Ku and Ku-DNA complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowen Hu
- Universities Space Research Association, Division of Space Life Sciences, Houston, TX 77058, USA.
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32
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Dobbs TA, Tainer JA, Lees-Miller SP. A structural model for regulation of NHEJ by DNA-PKcs autophosphorylation. DNA Repair (Amst) 2010; 9:1307-14. [PMID: 21030321 PMCID: PMC3045832 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2010.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and Ku heterodimer together form the biologically critical DNA-PK complex that plays key roles in the repair of ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks through the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway. Despite elegant and informative electron microscopy studies, the mechanism by which DNA-PK co-ordinates the initiation of NHEJ has been enigmatic due to limited structural information. Here, we discuss how the recently described small angle X-ray scattering structures of full-length Ku heterodimer and DNA-PKcs in solution, combined with a breakthrough DNA-PKcs crystal structure, provide significant insights into the early stages of NHEJ. Dynamic structural changes associated with a functionally important cluster of autophosphorylation sites play a significant role in regulating the dissociation of DNA-PKcs from Ku and DNA. These new structural insights have implications for understanding the formation and control of the DNA-PK synaptic complex, DNA-PKcs activation and initiation of NHEJ. More generally, they provide prototypic information for the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-like (PIKK) family of serine/threonine protein kinases that includes Ataxia Telangiectasia-Mutated (ATM) and ATM-, Rad3-related (ATR) as well as DNA-PKcs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A. Dobbs
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Oncology, Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4Z6
| | - John A. Tainer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA and Life Sciences Division, Department of Molecular Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Susan P. Lees-Miller
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Oncology, Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 4Z6
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33
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Ochi T, Sibanda BL, Wu Q, Chirgadze DY, Bolanos-Garcia VM, Blundell TL. Structural biology of DNA repair: spatial organisation of the multicomponent complexes of nonhomologous end joining. J Nucleic Acids 2010; 2010:621695. [PMID: 20862368 PMCID: PMC2938450 DOI: 10.4061/2010/621695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) plays a major role in double-strand break DNA repair, which involves a series of steps mediated by multiprotein complexes. A ring-shaped Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer forms first at broken DNA ends, DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) binds to mediate synapsis and nucleases process DNA overhangs. DNA ligase IV (LigIV) is recruited as a complex with XRCC4 for ligation, with XLF/Cernunnos, playing a role in enhancing activity of LigIV. We describe how a combination of methods-X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering-can give insights into the transient multicomponent complexes that mediate NHEJ. We first consider the organisation of DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80/DNA complex (DNA-PK) and then discuss emerging evidence concerning LigIV/XRCC4/XLF/DNA and higher-order complexes. We conclude by discussing roles of multiprotein systems in maintaining high signal-to-noise and the value of structural studies in developing new therapies in oncology and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ochi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Bancinyane Lynn Sibanda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Dimitri Y. Chirgadze
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | | | - Tom L. Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
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34
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Loll B, Gebhardt M, Wahle E, Meinhart A. Crystal structure of the EndoG/EndoGI complex: mechanism of EndoG inhibition. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 37:7312-20. [PMID: 19783821 PMCID: PMC2790893 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
EndoG is a ubiquitous nuclease that is translocated into the nucleus during apoptosis to participate in DNA degradation. The enzyme cleaves double- and single-stranded DNA and RNA. Related nucleases are found in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, which have evolved sophisticated mechanisms for genome protection against self-antagonizing nuclease activity. Common mechanisms of inhibition are secretion, sequestration into a separate cellular compartment or by binding to protein inhibitors. Although EndoG is silenced by compartmentalization into the mitochondrial intermembrane space, a nucleus-localized protein inhibitor protects cellular polynucleotides from degradation by stray EndoG under non-apoptotic conditions in Drosophila. Here, we report the first three-dimensional structure of EndoG in complex with its inhibitor EndoGI. Although the mechanism of inhibition is reminiscent of bacterial protein inhibitors, EndoGI has evolved independently from a generic protein-protein interaction module. EndoGI is a two-domain protein that binds the active sites of two monomers of EndoG, with EndoG being sandwiched between EndoGI. Since the amino acid sequences of eukaryotic EndoG homologues are highly conserved, this model is valid for eukaryotic dimeric EndoG in general. The structure indicates that the two active sites of EndoG occupy the most remote spatial position possible at the molecular surface and a concerted substrate processing is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Loll
- Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Sibanda BL, Chirgadze DY, Blundell TL. Crystal structure of DNA-PKcs reveals a large open-ring cradle comprised of HEAT repeats. Nature 2009; 463:118-21. [PMID: 20023628 PMCID: PMC2811870 DOI: 10.1038/nature08648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Broken chromosomes arising from DNA double strand breaks result from endogenous events such as the production of reactive oxygen species during cellular metabolism, as well as from exogenous sources such as ionizing radiation1, 2, 3. Left unrepaired or incorrectly repaired they can lead to genomic changes that may result in cell death or cancer. DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), a holo-enzyme that comprises DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs)4, 5 and the heterodimer Ku70/Ku80, plays a major role in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), the main pathway in mammals used to repair double strand breaks6, 7, 8. DNA-PKcs is a serine/threonine protein kinase comprising a single polypeptide chain of 4128 amino acids and belonging to the phosphotidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)- related protein family9. DNA-PKcs is involved in the sensing and transmission of DNA damage signals to proteins such as p53, setting off events that lead to cell cycle arrest10, 11. It phosphorylates a wide range of substrates in vitro, including Ku70/Ku80, which is translocated along DNA12. Here we present the crystal structure of human DNA-PKcs at 6.6Å resolution, in which the overall fold is for the first time clearly visible. The many α-helical HEAT repeats (helix-turn-helix motifs) facilitate bending and allow the polypeptide chain to fold into a hollow circular structure. The C-terminal kinase domain is located on top of this structure and a small HEAT repeat domain that likely binds DNA is inside. The structure provides a flexible cradle to promote DNA double-strand-break repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bancinyane L Sibanda
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Old Addenbrooke's site, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
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Hammel M, Yu Y, Mahaney BL, Cai B, Ye R, Phipps BM, Rambo RP, Hura GL, Pelikan M, So S, Abolfath RM, Chen DJ, Lees-Miller SP, Tainer JA. Ku and DNA-dependent protein kinase dynamic conformations and assembly regulate DNA binding and the initial non-homologous end joining complex. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:1414-23. [PMID: 19893054 PMCID: PMC2801267 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.065615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double strand break (DSB) repair by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is initiated by DSB detection by Ku70/80 (Ku) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) recruitment, which promotes pathway progression through poorly defined mechanisms. Here, Ku and DNA-PKcs solution structures alone and in complex with DNA, defined by x-ray scattering, reveal major structural reorganizations that choreograph NHEJ initiation. The Ku80 C-terminal region forms a flexible arm that extends from the DNA-binding core to recruit and retain DNA-PKcs at DSBs. Furthermore, Ku- and DNA-promoted assembly of a DNA-PKcs dimer facilitates trans-autophosphorylation at the DSB. The resulting site-specific autophosphorylation induces a large conformational change that opens DNA-PKcs and promotes its release from DNA ends. These results show how protein and DNA interactions initiate large Ku and DNA-PKcs rearrangements to control DNA-PK biological functions as a macromolecular machine orchestrating assembly and disassembly of the initial NHEJ complex on DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Hammel
- Physical Biosciences Division, Department of Molecular Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
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Mahaney BL, Meek K, Lees-Miller SP. Repair of ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks by non-homologous end-joining. Biochem J 2009; 417:639-50. [PMID: 19133841 PMCID: PMC2975036 DOI: 10.1042/bj20080413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA DSBs (double-strand breaks) are considered the most cytotoxic type of DNA lesion. They can be introduced by external sources such as IR (ionizing radiation), by chemotherapeutic drugs such as topoisomerase poisons and by normal biological processes such as V(D)J recombination. If left unrepaired, DSBs can cause cell death. If misrepaired, DSBs may lead to chromosomal translocations and genomic instability. One of the major pathways for the repair of IR-induced DSBs in mammalian cells is NHEJ (non-homologous end-joining). The main proteins required for NHEJ in mammalian cells are the Ku heterodimer (Ku70/80 heterodimer), DNA-PKcs [the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK (DNA-dependent protein kinase)], Artemis, XRCC4 (X-ray-complementing Chinese hamster gene 4), DNA ligase IV and XLF (XRCC4-like factor; also called Cernunnos). Additional proteins, including DNA polymerases mu and lambda, PNK (polynucleotide kinase) and WRN (Werner's Syndrome helicase), may also play a role. In the present review, we will discuss our current understanding of the mechanism of NHEJ in mammalian cells and discuss the roles of DNA-PKcs and DNA-PK-mediated phosphorylation in NHEJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandi L. Mahaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Katheryn Meek
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Susan P. Lees-Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Yu Y, Mahaney BL, Yano KI, Ye R, Fang S, Douglas P, Chen DJ, Lees-Miller SP. DNA-PK and ATM phosphorylation sites in XLF/Cernunnos are not required for repair of DNA double strand breaks. DNA Repair (Amst) 2008; 7:1680-92. [PMID: 18644470 PMCID: PMC3350819 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2008.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2008] [Revised: 06/21/2008] [Accepted: 06/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major pathway for the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in human cells. NHEJ requires the catalytic subunit of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), Ku70, Ku80, XRCC4, DNA ligase IV and Artemis, as well as DNA polymerases mu and lambda and polynucleotide kinase. Recent studies have identified an additional participant, XLF, for XRCC4-like factor (also called Cernunnos), which interacts with the XRCC4-DNA ligase IV complex and stimulates its activity in vitro, however, its precise role in the DNA damage response is not fully understood. Since the protein kinase activity of DNA-PKcs is required for NHEJ, we asked whether XLF might be a physiological target of DNA-PK. Here, we have identified two major in vitro DNA-PK phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal region of XLF, serines 245 and 251. We show that these represent the major phosphorylation sites in XLF in vivo and that serine 245 is phosphorylated in vivo by DNA-PK, while serine 251 is phosphorylated by Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM). However, phosphorylation of XLF did not have a significant effect on the ability of XLF to interact with DNA in vitro or its recruitment to laser-induced DSBs in vivo. Similarly, XLF in which the identified in vivo phosphorylation sites were mutated to alanine was able to complement the DSB repair defect as well as radiation sensitivity in XLF-deficient 2BN cells. We conclude that phosphorylation of XLF at these sites does not play a major role in the repair of IR-induced DSBs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Brandi L. Mahaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Ken-Ichi Yano
- Division of Molecular Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ruiqiong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shujuan Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Pauline Douglas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - David J. Chen
- Division of Molecular Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Susan P. Lees-Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Abstract
Ionizing radiation induces DNA double-strand breaks which are repaired by the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. NHEJ is initiated upon Ku binding to the DNA ends and facilitating an interaction with the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). This heterotrimeric DNA-PK complex is then active as a serine/threonine protein kinase. The molecular mechanisms involved in DNA-PK activation are unknown. Considering the crucial role of Ku in this process, we therefore determined the influence of DNA binding on the structure of the Ku heterodimer. Chemical modification with NHS-biotin and mass spectrometry were used to identify sites of modification. Biotinylation of free Ku revealed several reactive lysines on Ku70 and Ku80 which were reduced or eliminated upon DNA binding. Interestingly, in the predicted C-terminal SAP domain of Ku70, biotinylation patterns were observed which suggest a structural change in this region of the protein induced by DNA binding. Limited proteolytic digests of free and DNA-bound Ku revealed a series of unique peptides, again, indicative of a change in the accessibility of the Ku70 and Ku80 C-terminal domains. A 10 kDa peptide was also identified which was preferentially generated under non-DNA-bound conditions and mapped to the C-terminus of Ku70. These results indicate a DNA-dependent movement or structural change in the C-terminal domains of Ku70 and Ku80 that may contribute to DNA-PKcs binding and activation. These results represent the first demonstration of DNA-induced changes in Ku structure and provide a framework for analysis of DNA-PKcs and the mechanism of DNA-PK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A. Lehman
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435
| | - Derek J. Hoelz
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - John J. Turchi
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
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Costantini S, Woodbine L, Andreoli L, Jeggo PA, Vindigni A. Interaction of the Ku heterodimer with the DNA ligase IV/Xrcc4 complex and its regulation by DNA-PK. DNA Repair (Amst) 2007; 6:712-22. [PMID: 17241822 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2006.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
DNA non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is a major mechanism for repairing DNA double-stranded (ds) breaks in mammalian cells. Here, we characterize the interaction between two key components of the NHEJ machinery, the Ku heterodimer and the DNA ligase IV/Xrcc4 complex. Our results demonstrate that Ku interacts with DNA ligase IV via its tandem BRCT domain and that this interaction is enhanced in the presence of Xrcc4 and dsDNA. Moreover, residues 644-748 of DNA ligase IV encompassing the first BRCT motif are necessary for binding. We show that Ku needs to be in its heterodimeric form to bind DNA ligase IV and that the C-terminal tail of Ku80, which mediates binding to DNA-PKcs, is dispensable for DNA ligase IV recognition. Although the interaction between Ku and DNA ligase IV/Xrcc4 occurs in the absence of DNA-PKcs, the presence of the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK kinase enhances complex formation. Previous studies have shown that DNA-PK kinase activity causes disassembly of DNA-PKcs from Ku at the DNA end. Here, we show that DNA-PK kinase activity also results in disassembly of the Ku/DNA ligase IV/Xrcc4 complex. Collectively, our findings provide novel information on the protein-protein interactions that regulate NHEJ in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Costantini
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, I-34012 Trieste, Italy
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41
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Rivera-Calzada A, Spagnolo L, Pearl LH, Llorca O. Structural model of full-length human Ku70-Ku80 heterodimer and its recognition of DNA and DNA-PKcs. EMBO Rep 2006; 8:56-62. [PMID: 17159921 PMCID: PMC1796749 DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2006] [Accepted: 10/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of DNA double-strand breaks during non-homologous end joining is carried out by the Ku70-Ku80 protein, a 150 kDa heterodimer that recruits the DNA repair kinase DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to the lesion. The atomic structure of a truncated Ku70-Ku80 was determined; however, the subunit-specific carboxy-terminal domain of Ku80--essential for binding to DNA-PKcs--was determined only in isolation, and the C-terminal domain of Ku70 was not resolved in its DNA-bound conformation. Both regions are conserved and mediate protein-protein interactions specific to mammals. Here, we reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of the human full-length Ku70-Ku80 dimer at 25 A resolution, alone and in complex with DNA, by using single-particle electron microscopy. We map the C-terminal regions of both subunits, and their conformational changes after DNA and DNA-PKcs binding to define a molecular model of the functions of these domains during DNA repair in the context of full-length Ku70-Ku80 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Rivera-Calzada
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Campus Complutense University, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Laura Spagnolo
- Section of Structural Biology and Cancer Research UK DNA Repair Enzyme Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Laurence H Pearl
- Section of Structural Biology and Cancer Research UK DNA Repair Enzyme Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
- Tel: +44 20 7153 5422; Fax: +44 20 7153 5457; E-mail:
| | - Oscar Llorca
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Campus Complutense University, Madrid 28040, Spain
- Tel: +34 91 837 3112 ext 4446; Fax: +34 91 5360432; E-mail:
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Drouet J, Frit P, Delteil C, de Villartay JP, Salles B, Calsou P. Interplay between Ku, Artemis, and the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit at DNA ends. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:27784-93. [PMID: 16857680 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m603047200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) by the nonhomologous end-joining pathway in mammals requires at least seven proteins involved in a simplified two-step process: (i) recognition and synapsis of the DNA ends dependent on the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) formed by the Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer and the catalytic subunit DNA-PKcs in association with Artemis; (ii) ligation dependent on the DNA ligase IV.XRCC4.Cernunnos-XLF complex. The Artemis protein exhibits exonuclease and endonuclease activities that are believed to be involved in the processing of a subclass of DSB. Here, we have analyzed the interactions of Artemis and nonhomologous end-joining pathway proteins both in a context of human nuclear cell extracts and in cells. DSB-inducing agents specifically elicit the mobilization of Artemis to damaged chromatin together with DNA-PK and XRCC4/ligase IV proteins. DNA-PKcs is necessary for the loading of Artemis on damaged DNA and is the main kinase that phosphorylates Artemis in cells damaged with highly efficient DSB producers. Under kinase-preventive conditions, both in vitro and in cells, Ku-mediated assembly of DNA-PK on DNA ends is responsible for a dissociation of the DNA-PKcs. Artemis complex. Conversely, DNA-PKcs kinase activity prevents Artemis dissociation from the DNA-PK.DNA complex. Altogether, our data allow us to propose a model in which a DNA-PKcs-mediated phosphorylation is necessary both to activate Artemis endonuclease activity and to maintain its association with the DNA end site. This tight functional coupling between the activation of both DNA-PKcs and Artemis may avoid improper processing of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Drouet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, CNRS UMR 5089, 205 Route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 4, France
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Spagnolo L, Rivera-Calzada A, Pearl LH, Llorca O. Three-Dimensional Structure of the Human DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80 Complex Assembled on DNA and Its Implications for DNA DSB Repair. Mol Cell 2006; 22:511-9. [PMID: 16713581 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2006.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2006] [Revised: 03/29/2006] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
DNA-PKcs is a large (approximately 470 kDa) kinase that plays an essential role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). DNA-PKcs is recruited to DSBs by the Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer, with which it forms the core of a multiprotein complex that promotes synapsis of the broken DNA ends. We have purified the human DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80 holoenzyme assembled on a DNA molecule. Its three-dimensional (3D) structure at approximately 25 Angstroms resolution was determined by single-particle electron microscopy. Binding of Ku and DNA elicits conformational changes in the FAT and FATC domains of DNA-PKcs. Dimeric particles are observed in which two DNA-PKcs/Ku70/Ku80 holoenzymes interact through the N-terminal HEAT repeats. The proximity of the dimer contacts to the likely positions of the DNA ends suggests that these represent synaptic complexes that maintain broken DNA ends in proximity and provide a platform for access of the various enzymes required for end processing and ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Spagnolo
- Section of Structural Biology and Cancer Research UK DNA Repair Enzyme Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London
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44
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Palmbos PL, Daley JM, Wilson TE. Mutations of the Yku80 C terminus and Xrs2 FHA domain specifically block yeast nonhomologous end joining. Mol Cell Biol 2005; 25:10782-90. [PMID: 16314503 PMCID: PMC1316971 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.25.24.10782-10790.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2005] [Revised: 08/18/2005] [Accepted: 09/23/2005] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway of DNA double-strand break repair requires three protein complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: MRX (Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2), Ku (Ku70-Ku80), and DNA ligase IV (Dnl4-Lif1-Nej1). Much is known about the interactions that mediate the formation of each complex, but little is known about how they act together during repair. A comprehensive yeast two-hybrid screen of the NHEJ factors of S. cerevisiae revealed all known interactions within the MRX, Ku, and DNA ligase IV complexes, as well as three additional, weaker interactions between Yku80-Dnl4, Xrs2-Lif1, and Mre11-Yku80. Individual and combined deletions of the Yku80 C terminus and the Xrs2 forkhead-associated (FHA) domain were designed based on the latter two-hybrid results. These deletions synergistically blocked NHEJ but not the telomere and recombination functions of Ku and MRX, confirming that these protein regions are functionally important specifically for NHEJ. Further mutational analysis of Yku80 identified a putative C-terminal amphipathic alpha-helix that is both required for its NHEJ function and strikingly similar to a DNA-dependent protein kinase interaction motif in human Ku80. These results identify a novel role in yeast NHEJ for the poorly characterized Ku80 C-terminal and Xrs2 FHA domains, and they suggest that redundant binding of DNA ligase IV facilitates completion of this DNA repair event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Palmbos
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 48109-0602, USA
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You Z, Chahwan C, Bailis J, Hunter T, Russell P. ATM activation and its recruitment to damaged DNA require binding to the C terminus of Nbs1. Mol Cell Biol 2005; 25:5363-79. [PMID: 15964794 PMCID: PMC1156989 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.25.13.5363-5379.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ATM has a central role in controlling the cellular responses to DNA damage. It and other phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related kinases (PIKKs) have giant helical HEAT repeat domains in their amino-terminal regions. The functions of these domains in PIKKs are not well understood. ATM activation in response to DNA damage appears to be regulated by the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex, although the exact functional relationship between the MRN complex and ATM is uncertain. Here we show that two pairs of HEAT repeats in fission yeast ATM (Tel1) interact with an FXF/Y motif at the C terminus of Nbs1. This interaction resembles nucleoporin FXFG motif binding to HEAT repeats in importin-beta. Budding yeast Nbs1 (Xrs2) appears to have two FXF/Y motifs that interact with Tel1 (ATM). In Xenopus egg extracts, the C terminus of Nbs1 recruits ATM to damaged DNA, where it is subsequently autophosphorylated. This interaction is essential for ATM activation. A C-terminal 147-amino-acid fragment of Nbs1 that has the Mre11- and ATM-binding domains can restore ATM activation in an Nbs1-depleted extract. We conclude that an interaction between specific HEAT repeats in ATM and the C-terminal FXF/Y domain of Nbs1 is essential for ATM activation. We propose that conformational changes in the MRN complex that occur upon binding to damaged DNA are transmitted through the FXF/Y-HEAT interface to activate ATM. This interaction also retains active ATM at sites of DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongsheng You
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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46
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Llorca O, Pearl LH. Electron microscopy studies on DNA recognition by DNA-PK. Micron 2004; 35:625-33. [PMID: 15288642 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2004.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2004] [Revised: 05/20/2004] [Accepted: 05/24/2004] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Advances in transmission electron microscopy coupled to increasingly powerful biocomputing techniques are opening enormous possibilities to understand the structure and function of complex biological processes performed by large multi-protein assemblies. This is an exciting time for electron microscopists because we can combine our efforts with X-ray crystallographers and NMR spectroscopists to reach the prospect of studying the structure and dynamics of the so-called 'molecular machines'. One of these fascinating systems is the macromolecular complex formed around double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs). Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is the main DSBs repair pathway in mammalian cells, where a collection of proteins interact to rejoin two broken DNA ends. During NHEJ, DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) binds damaged DNA with high affinity and acts as the main scaffold for other repair factors. Several studies have made use of the electron microscope to reveal the three-dimensional architecture of DNA-PK and the structural basis for the recognition of damaged DNA and the activation of DNA-PK's kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Llorca
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Campus Universidad Complutense, Madrid 28040, Spain.
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47
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Wuttke DS. Targeting the End. Structure 2004; 12:355-6. [PMID: 15016349 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2004.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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