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Lafuente-Barquero J, Svejstrup JQ, Luna R, Aguilera A. Expression of human RECQL5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae causes transcription defects and transcription-associated genome instability. Mol Genet Genomics 2024; 299:59. [PMID: 38796829 PMCID: PMC11128410 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-024-02152-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
RECQL5 is a member of the conserved RecQ family of DNA helicases involved in the maintenance of genome stability that is specifically found in higher eukaryotes and associates with the elongating RNA polymerase II. To expand our understanding of its function we expressed human RECQL5 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which does not have a RECQL5 ortholog. We found that RECQL5 expression leads to cell growth inhibition, increased genotoxic sensitivity and transcription-associated hyperrecombination. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and transcriptomic analysis of yeast cells expressing human RECQL5 shows that this is recruited to transcribed genes and although it causes only a weak impact on gene expression, in particular at G + C-rich genes, it leads to a transcription termination defect detected as readthrough transcription. The data indicate that the interaction between RNAPII and RECQL5 is conserved from yeast to humans. Unexpectedly, however, the RECQL5-ID mutant, previously shown to have reduced the association with RNAPII in vitro, associates with the transcribing polymerase in cells. As a result, expression of RECQL5-ID leads to similar although weaker phenotypes than wild-type RECQL5 that could be transcription-mediated. Altogether, the data suggests that RECQL5 has the intrinsic ability to function in transcription-dependent and independent genome dynamics in S. cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lafuente-Barquero
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41092, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Seville, Spain
| | - Jesper Q Svejstrup
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Rosa Luna
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41092, Seville, Spain.
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Seville, Spain.
| | - Andrés Aguilera
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41092, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Seville, Spain
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Li C, Yang J, Chu L, Tian J, Xiao J, Huang Y, Wang Q, Guo B, Huang L, Hu Y, Luo Y. The function of Bazhen decoction in rescuing progeroid cell senescence via facilitating G-quadruplex resolving and telomere elongation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117694. [PMID: 38163559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Bazhen decoction is one of the most extensively used Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for treatment of aging related diseases. However, due to the complexity of the components, the pharmacological mechanism of Bazhen decoction is still limited. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, with the aim of helping the clinical precision medicine of TCM, we try out a systematic analysis for dissecting the molecular mechanism of complicated TCM prescription: Bazhen decoction. We identify the pharmacological mechanism of Bazhen decoction in telomere elongation as revealed by systematic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS By RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis of Bazhen decoction treated wild type cells, we reveal the transcriptome profile induced by Bazhen decoction. We utilized the cells derived from Werner syndrome (WS) mice, which is known to be dysfunctional in telomere elongation due to the deficiency of DNA helicase Wrn. By Western blot, qPCR, Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, telomere FISH, and SA-β-Gal staining, we verify the transcriptome data and confirm the pharmacological function of Bazhen decoction and its drug containing serum in telomere elongation and reversing progeroid cell senescence. RESULTS We reveal that Bazhen decoction may systematically regulate multiple anti-aging pathways, including stem cell regulation, protein homeostasis, cardiovascular function, neuronal function, anti-inflammation, anti-DNA damage induced stress, DNA helicase activity and telomere lengthening. We find that Bazhen decoction and its drug containing serum could up-regulate multiple DNA helicases and telomere regulating proteins. The increased DNA helicases promote the resolving of G-quadruplex (G4) structures, and facilitate DNA replication and telomere elongation. These improvements also endow the cellular resistance to DNA damages induced by replication stress, and rescue the WS caused cellular senescence. CONCLUSIONS Together these data suggest that Bazhen decoction up-regulate the expression of DNA helicases, thus facilitate G4 resolving and telomere maintenance, which rescue the progeroid cellular senescence and contribute to its anti-aging properties. Our data reveal a new molecular mechanism of Bazhen decoction in anti-aging related diseases via elongating telomere, this may shed light in the application of Bazhen decoction in multiple degenerative diseases caused by telomere erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanbiao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Lili Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jinchao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Liming Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
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Martins DJ, Di Lazzaro Filho R, Bertola DR, Hoch NC. Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, a disorder far from solved. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1296409. [PMID: 38021400 PMCID: PMC10676203 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1296409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a range of clinical symptoms, including poikiloderma, juvenile cataracts, short stature, sparse hair, eyebrows/eyelashes, nail dysplasia, and skeletal abnormalities. While classically associated with mutations in the RECQL4 gene, which encodes a DNA helicase involved in DNA replication and repair, three additional genes have been recently identified in RTS: ANAPC1, encoding a subunit of the APC/C complex; DNA2, which encodes a nuclease/helicase involved in DNA repair; and CRIPT, encoding a poorly characterized protein implicated in excitatory synapse formation and splicing. Here, we review the clinical spectrum of RTS patients, analyze the genetic basis of the disease, and discuss molecular functions of the affected genes, drawing some novel genotype-phenotype correlations and proposing avenues for future studies into this enigmatic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi Jardim Martins
- Genomic Stability Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Di Lazzaro Filho
- Center for Human Genome Studies, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Dasa Genômica/Genera, Genômica, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Romeo Bertola
- Center for Human Genome Studies, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Children’s Institute, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nícolas Carlos Hoch
- Genomic Stability Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yao S, Yuan Y, Zhang J, Yu Y, Luo GH. Gene polymorphisms associated with sudden decreases in heart rate during extensive peritoneal lavage with distilled water after gastrectomy. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:2154-2170. [PMID: 37969699 PMCID: PMC10642470 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i10.2154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study found that the telomerase-associated protein 1 (TEP1, rs938886 and rs1713449) and homo sapiens RecQ like helicase 5 (RECQL5, rs820196) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with changes in heart rate (HR) ≥ 30% during peritoneal lavage with distilled water after gastrectomy. This study established a single tube method for detecting these three SNPs using two-dimensional (2D) polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and investigated whether SNP-SNP and SNP-environment interactions increase the risk of high HR variability (HRV). AIM To investigate whether genotypes, genetic patterns, SNP-SNP and SNP-environment interactions were associated with HRV. METHODS 2D PCR was used to establish a single-tube method to detect TEP1 rs938886 and rs1713449 and RECQL5 rs820196, and the results were compared with those of sanger sequencing. After adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, smoking, hypertension, and thyroid dysfunction, a nonconditional logistic regression model was used to assess the associations between the genotypes and the genetic patterns (codominant, dominant, overdominant, recessive, and additive) of the three SNPs and a risk ≥ 15% or ≥ 30% of a sudden drop in HR during postoperative peritoneal lavage in patients with gastric cancer. Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions were analyzed using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction. RESULTS The coincidence rate between the 2D PCR and sequencing was 100%. When the HRV cutoff value was 15%, the patients with the RECQL5 (rs820196) TC genotype had a higher risk of high HRV than those who had the TT genotype (odds ratio = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.05-3.70; P = 0.045). Under the codominant and overdominant models, the TC genotype of RECQL5 (rs820196) was associated with a higher risk of HR decrease relative to the TT and TT + CC genotypes (P = 0.031 and 0.016, respectively). When the HRV cutoff value was 30%, patients carrying the GC-TC genotypes of rs938886 and rs820196 showed a higher HRV risk when compared with the GG-TT genotype carriers (P = 0.01). In the three-factor model of rs938886, rs820196, and rs1713449, patients carrying the GC-TC-CT genotype had a higher risk of HRV compared with the wild-type GG-TT-CC carriers (P = 0.01). For rs820196, nonsmokers with the TC genotype had a higher HRV risk compared with nonsmokers carrying the TT genotype (P = 0.04). When the HRV cutoff value was 15%, patients carrying the TT-TT and the TC-CT genotypes of rs820196 and rs1713449 showed a higher HRV risk when compared with TT-CC genotype carriers (P = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). Patients carrying the GC-CT-TC genotypes of rs938886, rs1713449, and rs820196 showed a higher HRV risk compared with GG-CC-TT genotype carriers (P = 0.02). When the HRV cutoff value was 15%, the best-fitting models for the interactions between the SNPs and the environment were the rs820196-smoking (P = 0.022) and rs820196-hypertension (P = 0.043) models. Consistent with the results of the previous grouping, for rs820196, the TC genotype nonsmokers had a higher HRV risk compared with nonsmokers carrying the TT genotype (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION The polymorphism of the RECQL5 and TEP1 genes were associated with HRV during peritoneal lavage with distilled water after gastrectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yao
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guang-Hua Luo
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
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Xia Y, Sonneville R, Jenkyn-Bedford M, Ji L, Alabert C, Hong Y, Yeeles JT, Labib KP. DNSN-1 recruits GINS for CMG helicase assembly during DNA replication initiation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Science 2023; 381:eadi4932. [PMID: 37590372 PMCID: PMC7615117 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi4932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Assembly of the CMG (CDC-45-MCM-2-7-GINS) helicase is the key regulated step during eukaryotic DNA replication initiation. Until now, it was unclear whether metazoa require additional factors that are not present in yeast. In this work, we show that Caenorhabditis elegans DNSN-1, the ortholog of human DONSON, functions during helicase assembly in a complex with MUS-101/TOPBP1. DNSN-1 is required to recruit the GINS complex to chromatin, and a cryo-electron microscopy structure indicates that DNSN-1 positions GINS on the MCM-2-7 helicase motor (comprising the six MCM-2 to MCM-7 proteins), by direct binding of DNSN-1 to GINS and MCM-3, using interfaces that we show are important for initiation and essential for viability. These findings identify DNSN-1 as a missing link in our understanding of DNA replication initiation, suggesting that initiation defects underlie the human disease syndrome that results from DONSON mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisui Xia
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Remi Sonneville
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | | | - Liqin Ji
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Constance Alabert
- Division of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Ye Hong
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Joseph T.P. Yeeles
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Karim P.M. Labib
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
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Mo C, Shiozaki Y, Omabe K, Liu Y. Understanding the Human RECQ5 Helicase-Connecting the Dots from DNA to Clinics. Cells 2023; 12:2037. [PMID: 37626846 PMCID: PMC10453775 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RECQ5, a member of the conserved RECQ helicase family, is the sole human RECQ homolog that has not been linked to a hereditary developmental syndrome. Nonetheless, dysregulation of RECQ5 has emerged as a significant clinical concern, being linked to cancer predisposition, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. In cells, RECQ5 assumes a crucial role in the regulation of DNA repair pathways, particularly in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks and inter-strand DNA crosslinks. Moreover, RECQ5 exhibits a capacity to modulate gene expression by interacting with transcription machineries and their co-regulatory proteins, thus safeguarding against transcription-induced DNA damage. This review aims to provide an overview of the multifaceted functions of RECQ5 and its implications in maintaining genomic stability. We will discuss the potential effects of clinical variants of RECQ5 on its cellular functions and their underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of cancer and cardiovascular disease. We will review the impact of RECQ5 variants in the field of pharmacogenomics, specifically their influence on drug responses, which may pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions targeting RECQ5 in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yilun Liu
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010-3000, USA
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Becker RA, Hub JS. Molecular simulations of DEAH-box helicases reveal control of domain flexibility by ligands: RNA, ATP, ADP, and G-patch proteins. Biol Chem 2023; 404:867-879. [PMID: 37253384 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0154] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
DEAH-box helicases use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to translocate along RNA strands. They are composed of tandem RecA-like domains and a C-terminal domain connected by flexible linkers, and the activity of several DEAH-box helicases is regulated by cofactors called G-patch proteins. We used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the helicases Prp43, Prp22, and DHX15 in various liganded states to investigate how RNA, ADP, ATP, or G-patch proteins influence their conformational dynamics. The simulations suggest that apo helicases are highly flexible, whereas binding of RNA renders the helicases more rigid. ATP and ADP control the stability of the RecA1-RecA2 interface, but they have only a smaller effect on domain flexibility in absence of a RecA1-RecA2 interface. Binding of a G-patch protein to DHX15 imposes a more structured conformational ensemble, characterized by more defined relative domain arrangements and by an increased conformational stability of the RNA tunnel. However, the effect of the G-patch protein on domain dynamics is far more subtle as compared to the effects of RNA or ATP/ADP. The simulations characterize DEAH-box helicase as dynamic machines whose conformational ensembles are strongly defined by the presence of RNA, ATP, or ADP and only fine-tuned by the presence of G-patch proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Becker
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Campus E2 6, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jochen S Hub
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Campus E2 6, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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Willemsen M, Barber JS, Nieuwenhove EV, Staels F, Gerbaux M, Neumann J, Prezzemolo T, Pasciuto E, Lagou V, Boeckx N, Filtjens J, De Visscher A, Matthys P, Schrijvers R, Tousseyn T, O'Driscoll M, Bucciol G, Schlenner S, Meyts I, Humblet-Baron S, Liston A. Homozygous DBF4 mutation as a cause of severe congenital neutropenia. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:266-277. [PMID: 36841265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe congenital neutropenia presents with recurrent infections early in life as a result of arrested granulopoiesis. Multiple genetic defects are known to block granulocyte differentiation; however, a genetic cause remains unknown in approximately 40% of cases. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize a patient with severe congenital neutropenia and syndromic features without a genetic diagnosis. METHODS Whole exome sequencing results were validated using flow cytometry, Western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation, quantitative PCR, cell cycle and proliferation analysis of lymphocytes and fibroblasts and granulocytic differentiation of primary CD34+ and HL-60 cells. RESULTS We identified a homozygous missense mutation in DBF4 in a patient with mild extra-uterine growth retardation, facial dysmorphism and severe congenital neutropenia. DBF4 is the regulatory subunit of the CDC7 kinase, together known as DBF4-dependent kinase (DDK), the complex essential for DNA replication initiation. The DBF4 variant demonstrated impaired ability to bind CDC7, resulting in decreased DDK-mediated phosphorylation, defective S-phase entry and progression and impaired differentiation of granulocytes associated with activation of the p53-p21 pathway. The introduction of wild-type DBF4 into patient CD34+ cells rescued the promyelocyte differentiation arrest. CONCLUSION Hypomorphic DBF4 mutation causes autosomal-recessive severe congenital neutropenia with syndromic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs Willemsen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - John S Barber
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erika Van Nieuwenhove
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederik Staels
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Margaux Gerbaux
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Pediatric Department, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julika Neumann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Teresa Prezzemolo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela Pasciuto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vasiliki Lagou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nancy Boeckx
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Filtjens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuve, Belgium
| | - Amber De Visscher
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuve, Belgium
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuve, Belgium
| | - Rik Schrijvers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Tousseyn
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark O'Driscoll
- Human DNA Damage Response Disorders Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgia Bucciol
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory for Inborn Errors of Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Primary Immunodeficiencies, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven
| | - Susan Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Meyts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory for Inborn Errors of Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Primary Immunodeficiencies, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven.
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Adrian Liston
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Becker RA, Hub JS. Continuous millisecond conformational cycle of a DEAH box helicase reveals control of domain motions by atomic-scale transitions. Commun Biol 2023; 6:379. [PMID: 37029280 PMCID: PMC10082070 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicases are motor enzymes found in every living organism and viruses, where they maintain the stability of the genome and control against false recombination. The DEAH-box helicase Prp43 plays a crucial role in pre-mRNA splicing in unicellular organisms by translocating single-stranded RNA. The molecular mechanisms and conformational transitions of helicases are not understood at the atomic level. We present a complete conformational cycle of RNA translocation by Prp43 in atomic detail based on molecular dynamics simulations. To enable the sampling of such complex transition on the millisecond timescale, we combined two enhanced sampling techniques, namely simulated tempering and adaptive sampling guided by crystallographic data. During RNA translocation, the center-of-mass motions of the RecA-like domains followed the established inchworm model, whereas the domains crawled along the RNA in a caterpillar-like movement, suggesting an inchworm/caterpillar model. However, this crawling required a complex sequence of atomic-scale transitions involving the release of an arginine finger from the ATP pocket, stepping of the hook-loop and hook-turn motifs along the RNA backbone, and several others. These findings highlight that large-scale domain dynamics may be controlled by complex sequences of atomic-scale transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Becker
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jochen S Hub
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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Datta A, Sommers JA, Jhujh SS, Harel T, Stewart GS, Brosh RM. Discovery of a new hereditary RECQ helicase disorder RECON syndrome positions the replication stress response and genome homeostasis as centrally important processes in aging and age-related disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 86:101887. [PMID: 36805074 PMCID: PMC10018417 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing the molecular deficiencies underlying human aging has been a formidable challenge as it is clear that a complex myriad of factors including genetic mutations, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices influence the deterioration responsible for human pathologies. In addition, the common denominators of human aging, exemplified by the newly updated hallmarks of aging (López-Otín et al., 2023), suggest multiple avenues and layers of crosstalk between pathways important for genome and cellular homeostasis, both of which are major determinants of both good health and lifespan. In this regard, we postulate that hereditary disorders characterized by chromosomal instability offer a unique window of insight into aging and age-related disease processes. Recently, we discovered a new RECQ helicase disorder, designated RECON syndrome attributed to bi-allelic mutations in the RECQL1 gene (Abu-Libdeh et al., 2022). Cells deficient in RECQL1 exhibit genomic instability and a compromised response to replication stress, providing further evidence for the significance of genome homeostasis to suppress disease phenotypes. Here we provide a perspective on the pathology of RECON syndrome to inform the reader as to how molecular defects in the RECQL1 gene contribute to underlying deficiencies in nucleic acid metabolism often seen in certain aging or age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua A Sommers
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Satpal S Jhujh
- Institute for Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tamar Harel
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Grant S Stewart
- Institute for Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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11
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Willemsen M, Staels F, Gerbaux M, Neumann J, Schrijvers R, Meyts I, Humblet-Baron S, Liston A. DNA replication-associated inborn errors of immunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:345-360. [PMID: 36395985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Inborn errors of immunity are a heterogeneous group of monogenic immunologic disorders caused by mutations in genes with critical roles in the development, maintenance, or function of the immune system. The genetic basis is frequently a mutation in a gene with restricted expression and/or function in immune cells, leading to an immune disorder. Several classes of inborn errors of immunity, however, result from mutation in genes that are ubiquitously expressed. Despite the genes participating in cellular processes conserved between cell types, immune cells are disproportionally affected, leading to inborn errors of immunity. Mutations in DNA replication, DNA repair, or DNA damage response factors can result in monogenic human disease, some of which are classified as inborn errors of immunity. Genetic defects in the DNA repair machinery are a well-known cause of T-B-NK+ severe combined immunodeficiency. An emerging class of inborn errors of immunity is those caused by mutations in DNA replication factors. Considerable heterogeneity exists within the DNA replication-associated inborn errors of immunity, with diverse immunologic defects and clinical manifestations observed. These differences are suggestive for differential sensitivity of certain leukocyte subsets to deficiencies in specific DNA replication factors. Here, we provide an overview of DNA replication-associated inborn errors of immunity and discuss the emerging mechanistic insights that can explain the observed immunologic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs Willemsen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Frederik Staels
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Margaux Gerbaux
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Pediatric Department, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julika Neumann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Schrijvers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Meyts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory for Inborn Errors of Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Primary Immunodeficiencies, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; ERN-RITA Core Center Member, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Adrian Liston
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Immunology Program, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge.
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12
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Qin X, Wang J, Wang X, Huang T, Fang Z, Yan L, Fan Y, Xu D. Widespread genomic/molecular alterations of DNA helicases and their clinical/therapeutic implications across human cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114193. [PMID: 36586240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114193] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA helicases are essential to genomic stability by regulating DNA metabolisms and their loss-of-function mutations lead to genomic instability and predisposition to cancer. Paradoxically, overexpression of DNA helicases is observed in several cancers. Here we analyzed genomic and molecular alterations in 12 important DNA helicases in TCGA pan-cancers to provide an overview of their aberrations. Significant expression heterogeneity of 12 DNA helicases was observed. We calculated DNA helicase score (DHS) based on their expression, and categorized tumors into high, low and intermediate subtypes. High DHS subtypes were robustly associated with stemness, proliferation, hyperactivated oncogenic signaling, longer telomeres, total mutation burden, copy number alterations (CNAs) and shorter survival. Importantly, tumors with high DHSs exhibited stronger expression of alternative end-join (alt-EJ) factors, indicative of sensitivity to chemo- and radio-therapies. High DHSs were also associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), BRCA1/2 mutations and sensitivity to PARP inhibitors. Moreover, several drugs are identified to inhibit DNA helicases, with the Auror A kinase inhibitor Danusertib as the strongest candidate that was confirmed experimentally. The aberrant expression of DNA helicases was associated with CNAs, DNA methylation and m6A regulators. Our findings thus reveal widespread dysregulation of DNA helicases and their broad connection with featured oncogenic aberrations across human cancers. The close association of DHS with the alt-EJ pathway and HRD, and identification of Danusertib as a putative DNA helicase inhibitor have translational significance. Taken together, these findings will contribute to DNA helicase-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Urologic Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Urologic Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zhiqing Fang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Yidong Fan
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden.
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13
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Shin S, Hyun K, Lee J, Joo D, Kulikowicz T, Bohr V, Kim J, Hohng S. Werner syndrome protein works as a dimer for unwinding and replication fork regression. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:337-348. [PMID: 36583333 PMCID: PMC9841404 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The determination of the oligomeric state of functional enzymes is essential for the mechanistic understanding of their catalytic activities. RecQ helicases have diverse biochemical activities, but it is still unclear how their activities are related to their oligomeric states. We use single-molecule multi-color fluorescence imaging to determine the oligomeric states of Werner syndrome protein (WRN) during its unwinding and replication fork regression activities. We reveal that WRN binds to a forked DNA as a dimer, and unwinds it without any change of its oligomeric state. In contrast, WRN binds to a replication fork as a tetramer, and is dimerized during activation of replication fork regression. By selectively inhibiting the helicase activity of WRN on specific strands, we reveal how the active dimers of WRN distinctly use the energy of ATP hydrolysis for repetitive unwinding and replication fork regression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwon Joo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tomasz Kulikowicz
- Section on DNA repair, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Section on DNA repair, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungchul Hohng
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +82 2 880 6593;
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14
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Research on Werner Syndrome: Trends from Past to Present and Future Prospects. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101802. [PMID: 36292687 PMCID: PMC9601476 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A rare and autosomal recessive premature aging disorder, Werner syndrome (WS) is characterized by the early onset of aging-associated diseases, including shortening stature, alopecia, bilateral cataracts, skin ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and chromosomal instability, as well as cancer predisposition. WRN, the gene responsible for WS, encodes DNA helicase with a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, and numerous studies have revealed that WRN helicase is involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability through actions in DNA, e.g., DNA replication, repair, recombination, and epigenetic regulation via interaction with DNA repair factors, telomere-binding proteins, histone modification enzymes, and other DNA metabolic factors. However, although these efforts have elucidated the cellular functions of the helicase in cell lines, they have not been linked to the treatment of the disease. Life expectancy has improved for WS patients over the past three decades, and it is hoped that a fundamental treatment for the disease will be developed. Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been established, and these are expected to be used in drug discovery and regenerative medicine for WS patients. In this article, we review trends in research to date and present some perspectives on WS research with regard to the application of pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, the elucidation of disease mechanisms and drug discovery utilizing the vast amount of scientific data accumulated to date will be discussed.
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15
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Hrq1/RECQL4 regulation is critical for preventing aberrant recombination during DNA intrastrand crosslink repair and is upregulated in breast cancer. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010122. [PMID: 36126066 PMCID: PMC9488787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human RECQL4 is a member of the RecQ family of DNA helicases and functions during DNA replication and repair. RECQL4 mutations are associated with developmental defects and cancer. Although RECQL4 mutations lead to disease, RECQL4 overexpression is also observed in cancer, including breast and prostate. Thus, tight regulation of RECQL4 protein levels is crucial for genome stability. Because mammalian RECQL4 is essential, how cells regulate RECQL4 protein levels is largely unknown. Utilizing budding yeast, we investigated the RECQL4 homolog, HRQ1, during DNA crosslink repair. We find that Hrq1 functions in the error-free template switching pathway to mediate DNA intrastrand crosslink repair. Although Hrq1 mediates repair of cisplatin-induced lesions, it is paradoxically degraded by the proteasome following cisplatin treatment. By identifying the targeted lysine residues, we show that preventing Hrq1 degradation results in increased recombination and mutagenesis. Like yeast, human RECQL4 is similarly degraded upon exposure to crosslinking agents. Furthermore, over-expression of RECQL4 results in increased RAD51 foci, which is dependent on its helicase activity. Using bioinformatic analysis, we observe that RECQL4 overexpression correlates with increased recombination and mutations. Overall, our study uncovers a role for Hrq1/RECQL4 in DNA intrastrand crosslink repair and provides further insight how misregulation of RECQL4 can promote genomic instability, a cancer hallmark. RECQL4 is a DNA helicase and functions during DNA replication and repair. While loss-of-function RECQL4 mutations are found in diseases characterized by developmental defects and cancer, such as Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, over-expression of RECQL4 is also observed in cancer, such as breast cancer. Therefore, RECQL4 protein expression must be tightly regulated. Here we used the budding yeast homolog of RECQL4, Hrq1, and discovered that overexpression of Hrq1 protein levels result in increased recombination and mutations, both cancer hallmarks. We find that Hrq1 functions to mediate repair of a specific type of DNA damage, intrastrand crosslinks, which occur when DNA nucleotides on the same strand are chemically linked together. These findings are also conserved in humans suggesting a common mechanism between yeast Hrq1 and human RECQL4. Overall, our study identifies a conserved role for RECQL4 in DNA intrastrand crosslink repair and provides insights into how its misregulation could promote cancer development.
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16
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Kohzaki M. Mammalian Resilience Revealed by a Comparison of Human Diseases and Mouse Models Associated With DNA Helicase Deficiencies. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:934042. [PMID: 36032672 PMCID: PMC9403131 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.934042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining genomic integrity is critical for sustaining individual animals and passing on the genome to subsequent generations. Several enzymes, such as DNA helicases and DNA polymerases, are involved in maintaining genomic integrity by unwinding and synthesizing the genome, respectively. Indeed, several human diseases that arise caused by deficiencies in these enzymes have long been known. In this review, the author presents the DNA helicases associated with human diseases discovered to date using recent analyses, including exome sequences. Since several mouse models that reflect these human diseases have been developed and reported, this study also summarizes the current knowledge regarding the outcomes of DNA helicase deficiencies in humans and mice and discusses possible mechanisms by which DNA helicases maintain genomic integrity in mammals. It also highlights specific diseases that demonstrate mammalian resilience, in which, despite the presence of genomic instability, patients and mouse models have lifespans comparable to those of the general population if they do not develop cancers; finally, this study discusses future directions for therapeutic applications in humans that can be explored using these mouse models.
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17
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Thakkar MK, Lee J, Meyer S, Chang VY. RecQ Helicase Somatic Alterations in Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:887758. [PMID: 35782872 PMCID: PMC9240438 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.887758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Named the “caretakers” of the genome, RecQ helicases function in several pathways to maintain genomic stability and repair DNA. This highly conserved family of enzymes consist of five different proteins in humans: RECQL1, BLM, WRN, RECQL4, and RECQL5. Biallelic germline mutations in BLM, WRN, and RECQL4 have been linked to rare cancer-predisposing syndromes. Emerging research has also implicated somatic alterations in RecQ helicases in a variety of cancers, including hematological malignancies, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, amongst others. These alterations in RecQ helicases, particularly overexpression, may lead to increased resistance of cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy. Downregulation of these proteins may allow for increased sensitivity to chemotherapy, and, therefore, may be important therapeutic targets. Here we provide a comprehensive review of our current understanding of the role of RecQ DNA helicases in cancer and discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities in targeting these helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha K. Thakkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stefan Meyer
- Division of Cancer Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian Y. Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Childrens Discovery and Innovation Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Vivian Y. Chang,
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18
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Courcelle J, Worley TK, Courcelle CT. Recombination Mediator Proteins: Misnomers That Are Key to Understanding the Genomic Instabilities in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030437. [PMID: 35327990 PMCID: PMC8950967 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombination mediator proteins have come into focus as promising targets for cancer therapy, with synthetic lethal approaches now clinically validated by the efficacy of PARP inhibitors in treating BRCA2 cancers and RECQ inhibitors in treating cancers with microsatellite instabilities. Thus, understanding the cellular role of recombination mediators is critically important, both to improve current therapies and develop new ones that target these pathways. Our mechanistic understanding of BRCA2 and RECQ began in Escherichia coli. Here, we review the cellular roles of RecF and RecQ, often considered functional homologs of these proteins in bacteria. Although these proteins were originally isolated as genes that were required during replication in sexual cell cycles that produce recombinant products, we now know that their function is similarly required during replication in asexual or mitotic-like cell cycles, where recombination is detrimental and generally not observed. Cells mutated in these gene products are unable to protect and process replication forks blocked at DNA damage, resulting in high rates of cell lethality and recombination events that compromise genome integrity during replication.
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19
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Maity J, Horibata S, Zurcher G, Lee JM. Targeting of RecQ Helicases as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051219. [PMID: 35267530 PMCID: PMC8909030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RecQ helicases are essential for DNA replication, recombination, DNA damage repair, and other nucleic acid metabolic pathways required for normal cell growth, survival, and genome stability. More recently, RecQ helicases have been shown to be important for replication fork stabilization, one of the major mechanisms of PARP inhibitor resistance. Cancer cells often have upregulated helicases and depend on these enzymes to repair rapid growth-promoted DNA lesions. Several studies are now evaluating the use of RecQ helicases as potential biomarkers of breast and gynecologic cancers. Furthermore, RecQ helicases have attracted interest as possible targets for cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of RecQ helicases and their interacting partners that may be utilized for effective treatment strategies (as cancers depend on helicases for survival). We also discuss how targeting helicase in combination with DNA repair inhibitors (i.e., PARP and ATR inhibitors) can be used as novel approaches for cancer treatment to increase sensitivity to current treatment to prevent rise of treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotirindra Maity
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.M.); (G.Z.)
| | - Sachi Horibata
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (J.M.L.)
| | - Grant Zurcher
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.M.); (G.Z.)
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.M.); (G.Z.)
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (J.M.L.)
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20
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Kaneko H, Takemoto M, Murakami H, Ihara K, Kosaki R, Motegi SI, Taniguchi A, Matsuo M, Yamazaki N, Nishigori C, Takita J, Koshizaka M, Maezawa Y, Yokote K. Rothmund-Thomson syndrome investigated by two nationwide surveys in Japan. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e15120. [PMID: 35616152 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by poikiloderma of the face, small stature, sparse scalp hair, juvenile cataract, radial aplasia, and predisposition to cancers. Due to the rarity of RTS, the situation of patients with RTS in Japan has not been elucidated. METHODS In 2010 and 2020, following the results of a primary questionnaire survey, a secondary questionnaire survey on RTS was conducted nationwide to investigate the number of RTS cases and their associated skin lesions, bone lesions, other clinical features, and quality of life in Japan. RESULTS In 2010 and 2020, 10 and eight patients with RTS were recruited, respectively. Skin lesions such as poikiloderma, erythema, pigmentation, and abnormal scalp hair were observed in almost all cases. Bone lesions were observed in four cases in the 2010 and 2020 surveys, respectively. Two cases had mutations in the RECQL4 gene in the 2020 survey. CONCLUSIONS Two nationwide surveys have shown the actual situation of patients with RTS in Japan. Cutaneous and bone manifestations are important for the diagnosis of RTS. However, many patients have no RECQL4 mutations. The novel causative gene of RTS should be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Kaneko
- Department of Pediatric Medical Care, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Minoru Takemoto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Murakami
- Department of Pediatric Medical Care, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kenji Ihara
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Rika Kosaki
- Division of Medical Genetics, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sei-Ichiro Motegi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Akira Taniguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Muneaki Matsuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Naoya Yamazaki
- Department of Dermatologic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chikako Nishigori
- Division of Dermatology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaya Koshizaka
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Maezawa
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koutaro Yokote
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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21
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Huang Q, Qin D, Pei D, Vermeulen M, Zhang X. UBE2O and USP7 co-regulate RECQL4 ubiquitinylation and homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair. FASEB J 2021; 36:e22112. [PMID: 34921745 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100974rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The human RecQ DNA helicase, RECQL4, plays a pivotal role in maintaining genomic stability by regulating the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair pathway, and is, thus, involved in the regulation of aging and cancer onset. However, the regulatory mechanisms of RECQL4, especially its post-translational modifications, have not been fully illustrated. Here, we report that the E2/E3 hybrid ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, UBE2O, physically interacts with RECQL4, and mediates the multi-monoubiquitinylation of RECQL4, subsequently leading to its proteasomal degradation. Functionally, we showed that UBE2O inhibits homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DSBs repair, and this inhibition depends on its E2 catalytic activity and RECQL4 expression. Mechanistically, we showed that UBE2O attenuates the interaction of RECQL4 and DNA damage repair proteins, the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 complex and CtIP. Furthermore, we show that deubiquitinylase USP7 interacts with both UBE2O and RECQL4, and in that it antagonizes UBE2O-mediated regulation of RECQL4 stability and function. Collectively, we found a novel regulatory mechanism of ubiquitin-mediated regulation of RECQL4 in HR-mediated DSBs repair process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas, BioLand Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dajiang Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cell fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas, BioLand Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Suszynska M, Ratajska M, Galka-Marciniak P, Ryszkowska A, Wydra D, Debniak J, Jasiak A, Wasag B, Cybulski C, Kozlowski P. Variant identification in BARD1, PRDM9, RCC1, and RECQL in patients with ovarian cancer by targeted next-generation sequencing of DNA pools. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2021; 15:151-160. [PMID: 34906988 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-21-0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several ovarian cancer susceptibility genes have been discovered, but more are likely to exist. In this study, we aimed to analyze knowledge-based selected genes, i.e., BARD1, PRDM9, RCC1, and RECQL, in which pathogenic germline variants have been reported in patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer. As deep sequencing of DNA samples remains costly, targeted next-generation sequencing of DNA pools was utilized to screen the exons of BARD1, PRDM9, RCC1, and RECQL in ~400 Polish ovarian cancer cases. 25 pools of 16 samples (including several duplicated samples with known variants) were sequenced on the NovaSeq6000 and analyzed with SureCall (Agilent) application. The set of variants was filtrated to exclude spurious variants, and, subsequently, the identified rare genetic variants were validated using Sanger sequencing. No pathogenic mutation was found within the analyzed cohort of ovarian cancer patients. Validation genotyping of filtered rare silent and missense variants revealed that the majority of them were true alterations, especially those with a higher mutation quality value. The high concordance (R2=0.95) of population allele frequency for 44 common SNPs in the European control population (gnomAD) and our experiment confirmed the reliability of pooled sequencing. Mutations in BARD1, PRDM9, RCC1, and RECQL do not contribute substantially to the risk of ovarian cancer. Pooled DNA sequencing is a cost-effective and reliable method for the initial screening of candidate genes; however, it still requires validation of identified rare variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malwina Suszynska
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Ratajska
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago
| | - Paulina Galka-Marciniak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Ryszkowska
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wydra
- Department of Gynaecology, Oncologic Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk
| | - Jaroslaw Debniak
- Department of Gynaecology, Oncologic Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk
| | - Anna Jasiak
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Gdansk
| | - Bartosz Wasag
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Gdansk
| | | | - Piotr Kozlowski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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23
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Xu X, Chang CW, Li M, Liu C, Liu Y. Molecular Mechanisms of the RECQ4 Pathogenic Mutations. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:791194. [PMID: 34869606 PMCID: PMC8637615 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.791194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The human RECQ4 gene encodes an ATP-dependent DNA helicase that contains a conserved superfamily II helicase domain located at the center of the polypeptide. RECQ4 is one of the five RECQ homologs in human cells, and its helicase domain is flanked by the unique amino and carboxyl termini with sequences distinct from other members of the RECQ helicases. Since the identification of the RECQ4 gene in 1998, multiple RECQ4 mutations have been linked to the pathogenesis of three clinical diseases, which are Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, Baller-Gerold syndrome, and RAPADILINO. Patients with these diseases show various developmental abnormalities. In addition, a subset of RECQ4 mutations are associated with high cancer risks, especially for osteosarcoma and/or lymphoma at early ages. The discovery of clinically relevant RECQ4 mutations leads to intriguing questions: how is the RECQ4 helicase responsible for preventing multiple clinical syndromes? What are the mechanisms by which the RECQ4 disease mutations cause tissue abnormalities and drive cancer formation? Furthermore, RECQ4 is highly overexpressed in many cancer types, raising the question whether RECQ4 acts not only as a tumor suppressor but also an oncogene that can be a potential new therapeutic target. Defining the molecular dysfunctions of different RECQ4 disease mutations is imperative to improving our understanding of the complexity of RECQ4 clinical phenotypes and the dynamic roles of RECQ4 in cancer development and prevention. We will review recent progress in examining the molecular and biochemical properties of the different domains of the RECQ4 protein. We will shed light on how the dynamic roles of RECQ4 in human cells may contribute to the complexity of RECQ4 clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Xu
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Chou-Wei Chang
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Min Li
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Yilun Liu
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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24
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Luong TT, Bernstein KA. Role and Regulation of the RECQL4 Family during Genomic Integrity Maintenance. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1919. [PMID: 34946868 PMCID: PMC8701316 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RECQL4 is a member of the evolutionarily conserved RecQ family of 3' to 5' DNA helicases. RECQL4 is critical for maintaining genomic stability through its functions in DNA repair, recombination, and replication. Unlike many DNA repair proteins, RECQL4 has unique functions in many of the central DNA repair pathways such as replication, telomere, double-strand break repair, base excision repair, mitochondrial maintenance, nucleotide excision repair, and crosslink repair. Consistent with these diverse roles, mutations in RECQL4 are associated with three distinct genetic diseases, which are characterized by developmental defects and/or cancer predisposition. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles and regulation of RECQL4 during maintenance of genome homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kara A. Bernstein
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
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25
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Herce-Hagiwara B, Thu YM. SGS1-SuOff rescues the mild methylmethane sulfonate sensitivity of srs2Δ cells in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2021; 2021. [PMID: 34585105 PMCID: PMC8463932 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sgs1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae belongs to the RecQ helicase family. Sgs1p is involved in recombination during DNA damage repair and sumoylation of Sgs1p is one mechanism by which the protein is regulated. To further understand the significance of Sgs1p sumoylation in DNA damage repair, we examined the genetic interaction between SGS1 SUMO mutants and a mutant of SRS2, the protein product of which also prevents aberrant recombination structures. We observed that SGS1-SuOff, a mutant in which Sgs1p cannot be sumoylated, attenuates the mild sensitivity of srs2Δcells to methyl methane sulfonate.
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26
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金子 英. [Rothmund-Thomson syndrome]. Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 2021; 58:413-416. [PMID: 34483168 DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.58.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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27
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Klein B, Günther C. Type I Interferon Induction in Cutaneous DNA Damage Syndromes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:715723. [PMID: 34381458 PMCID: PMC8351592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.715723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) as part of the innate immune system have an outstanding importance as antiviral defense cytokines that stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Upon sensing of pattern recognition particles (PRPs) such as nucleic acids, IFN secretion is activated and induces the expression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). Uncontrolled constitutive activation of the type I IFN system can lead to autoinflammation and autoimmunity, which is observed in autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematodes and in monogenic interferonopathies. They are caused by mutations in genes which are involved in sensing or metabolism of intracellular nucleic acids and DNA repair. Many authors described mechanisms of type I IFN secretion upon increased DNA damage, including the formation of micronuclei, cytosolic chromatin fragments and destabilization of DNA binding proteins. Hereditary cutaneous DNA damage syndromes, which are caused by mutations in proteins of the DNA repair, share laboratory and clinical features also seen in autoimmune disorders and interferonopathies; hence a potential role of DNA-damage-induced type I IFN secretion seems likely. Here, we aim to summarize possible mechanisms of IFN induction in cutaneous DNA damage syndromes with defects in the DNA double-strand repair and nucleotide excision repair. We review recent publications referring to Ataxia teleangiectasia, Bloom syndrome, Rothmund–Thomson syndrome, Werner syndrome, Huriez syndrome, and Xeroderma pigmentosum. Furthermore, we aim to discuss the role of type I IFN in cancer and these syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Klein
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medicine Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Günther
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital and Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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28
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Rieckher M, Garinis GA, Schumacher B. Molecular pathology of rare progeroid diseases. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:907-922. [PMID: 34272172 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Progeroid syndromes (PSs) are characterized by the premature onset of age-related pathologies. The genetic mutations underlying PSs are functionally linked to genome maintenance and repair, supporting the causative role of DNA damage accumulation in aging. Recent advances from studies in animal models of PSs have provided new insight into the role of DNA repair mechanisms in human disease and the physiological adaptations to accumulating DNA damage during aging. The molecular pathology of PSs is reminiscent of the natural aging process, highlighting the relevance for a wide range of age-related diseases. Recent progress has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies against age-related diseases that are relevant to rare diseases as well as the general aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Rieckher
- Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - George A Garinis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, GR70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Björn Schumacher
- Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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29
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Kohzaki M, Ootsuyama A, Umata T, Okazaki R. Comparison of the fertility of tumor suppressor gene-deficient C57BL/6 mouse strains reveals stable reproductive aging and novel pleiotropic gene. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12357. [PMID: 34117297 PMCID: PMC8195996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91342-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes are involved in maintaining genome integrity during reproduction (e.g., meiosis). Thus, deleterious alleles in tumor suppressor-deficient mice would exhibit higher mortality during the perinatal period. A recent aging model proposes that perinatal mortality and age-related deleterious changes might define lifespan. This study aimed to quantitatively understand the relationship between reproduction and lifespan using three established tumor suppressor gene (p53, APC, and RECQL4)-deficient mouse strains with the same C57BL/6 background. Transgenic mice delivered slightly reduced numbers of 1st pups than wild-type mice [ratio: 0.81–0.93 (p = 0.1–0.61)] during a similar delivery period, which suggest that the tumor suppressor gene-deficient mice undergo relatively stable reproduction. However, the transgenic 1st pups died within a few days after birth, resulting in a further reduction in litter size at 3 weeks after delivery compared with that of wild-type mice [ratio: 0.35–0.68 (p = 0.034–0.24)] without sex differences, although the lifespan was variable. Unexpectedly, the significance of reproductive reduction in transgenic mice was decreased at the 2nd or later delivery. Because mice are easily affected by environmental factors, our data underscore the importance of defining reproductive ability through experiments on aging-related reproduction that can reveal a trade-off between fecundity and aging and identify RECQL4 as a novel pleiotropic gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaoki Kohzaki
- Department of Radiobiology and Hygiene Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Akira Ootsuyama
- Department of Radiation Biology and Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Umata
- Radioisotope Research Center, Facility for Education and Research Support, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Ryuji Okazaki
- Department of Radiobiology and Hygiene Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
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30
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RecQ helicases in DNA repair and cancer targets. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:819-830. [PMID: 33095241 PMCID: PMC7588665 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Helicases are enzymes that use the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to catalyze the unwinding of DNA or RNA. The RecQ family of helicases is conserved through evolution from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes and plays important roles in various DNA repair pathways, contributing to the maintenance of genome integrity. Despite their roles as general tumor suppressors, there is now considerable interest in exploiting RecQ helicases as synthetic lethal targets for the development of new cancer therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in the structural and mechanistic study of RecQ helicases and discuss their roles in various DNA repair pathways. Finally, we consider the potential to exploit RecQ helicases as therapeutic targets and review the recent progress towards the development of small molecules targeting RecQ helicases as cancer therapeutics.
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31
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Coppedè F. Mutations Involved in Premature-Ageing Syndromes. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2021; 14:279-295. [PMID: 34103969 PMCID: PMC8180271 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s273525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Premature-ageing syndromes are a heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders resembling features of accelerated ageing and resulting from mutations in genes coding for proteins required for nuclear lamina architecture, DNA repair and maintenance of genome stability, mitochondrial function and other cellular processes. Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and Werner syndrome (WS) are two of the best-characterized progeroid syndromes referred to as childhood- and adulthood-progeria, respectively. This article provides an updated overview of the mutations leading to HGPS, WS, and to the spectrum of premature-ageing laminopathies ranging in severity from congenital restrictive dermopathy (RD) to adult-onset atypical WS, including RD-like laminopathies, typical and atypical HGPS, more and less severe forms of mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD), Néstor-Guillermo progeria syndrome (NGPS), atypical WS, and atypical progeroid syndromes resembling features of HGPS and/or MAD but resulting from impaired DNA repair or mitochondrial functions, including mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, progeroid features, and lipodystrophy (MDPL) syndrome and mandibuloacral dysplasia associated to MTX2 (MADaM). The overlapping signs and symptoms among different premature-ageing syndromes, resulting from both a large genetic heterogeneity and shared pathological pathways underlying these conditions, require an expert clinical evaluation in specialized centers paralleled by next-generation sequencing of panels of genes involved in these disorders in order to establish as early as possible an accurate clinical and molecular diagnosis for a proper patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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32
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Ababou M. Bloom syndrome and the underlying causes of genetic instability. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 133:35-48. [PMID: 33736941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal hereditary recessive diseases characterized by genetic instability are often associated with cancer predisposition. Bloom syndrome (BS), a rare genetic disorder, with <300 cases reported worldwide, combines both. Indeed, patients with Bloom's syndrome are 150 to 300 times more likely to develop cancers than normal individuals. The wide spectrum of cancers developed by BS patients suggests that early initial events occur in BS cells which may also be involved in the initiation of carcinogenesis in the general population and these may be common to several cancers. BS is caused by mutations of both copies of the BLM gene, encoding the RecQ BLM helicase. This review discusses the different aspects of BS and the different cellular functions of BLM in genome surveillance and maintenance through its major roles during DNA replication, repair, and transcription. BLM's activities are essential for the stabilization of centromeric, telomeric and ribosomal DNA sequences, and the regulation of innate immunity. One of the key objectives of this work is to establish a link between BLM functions and the main clinical phenotypes observed in BS patients, as well as to shed new light on the correlation between the genetic instability and diseases such as immunodeficiency and cancer. The different potential implications of the BLM helicase in the tumorigenic process and the use of BLM as new potential target in the field of cancer treatment are also debated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Ababou
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco; Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco.
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33
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Fuiten AM, Fankhauser RG, Smit DJ, Stark MS, Enright TF, Wood MA, DePatie NA, Pivik K, Sturm RA, Berry EG, Kulkarni RP. Genetic analysis of multiple primary melanomas arising within the boundaries of congenital nevi depigmentosa. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:1123-1130. [PMID: 33884765 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we present a rare case of a patient who developed multiple primary melanomas within the boundaries of two nevi depigmentosa. The melanomas were excised, and as a preventive measure, the remainder of the nevi depigmentosa were removed. We performed whole-exome sequencing on excised tissue from the nevus depigmentosus, adjacent normal skin, and saliva to explain this intriguing phenomenon. We also performed a GeneTrails Comprehensive Solid Tumor Panel analysis on one of the melanoma tissues. Genetic analysis revealed germline MC1R V92M and TYR R402Q polymorphisms and a MET E168D germline mutation that may have increased the risk of melanoma development. This genetic predisposition, combined with a patient-reported history of substantial sun exposure and sunburns, which were more severe within the boundaries of the nevi depigmentosa due to the lack of photoprotective melanin, produced numerous somatic mutations in the melanocytes of the nevi depigmentosa. Fitting with this paradigm for melanoma development in chronically sun-damaged skin, the patient's melanomas harbored somatic mutations in CDKN2A (splice site), NF1, and ATRX and had a tumor mutation burden in the 90-95th percentile for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Fuiten
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Reilly G Fankhauser
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Darren J Smit
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mitchell S Stark
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Trevor F Enright
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mary A Wood
- Computational Biology Program, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Phase Genomics, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas A DePatie
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Richard A Sturm
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Berry
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rajan P Kulkarni
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Operative Care Division, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
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34
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Parodi C, Di Fede E, Peron A, Viganò I, Grazioli P, Castiglioni S, Finnell RH, Gervasini C, Vignoli A, Massa V. Chromatin Imbalance as the Vertex Between Fetal Valproate Syndrome and Chromatinopathies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654467. [PMID: 33959609 PMCID: PMC8093873 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to valproate (VPA), an antiepileptic drug, has been associated with fetal valproate spectrum disorders (FVSD), a clinical condition including congenital malformations, developmental delay, intellectual disability as well as autism spectrum disorder, together with a distinctive facial appearance. VPA is a known inhibitor of histone deacetylase which regulates the chromatin state. Interestingly, perturbations of this epigenetic balance are associated with chromatinopathies, a heterogeneous group of Mendelian disorders arising from mutations in components of the epigenetic machinery. Patients affected from these disorders display a plethora of clinical signs, mainly neurological deficits and intellectual disability, together with distinctive craniofacial dysmorphisms. Remarkably, critically examining the phenotype of FVSD and chromatinopathies, they shared several overlapping features that can be observed despite the different etiologies of these disorders, suggesting the possible existence of a common perturbed mechanism(s) during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Parodi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Fede
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Peron
- Human Pathology and Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit-Epilepsy Center, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ilaria Viganò
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Grazioli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Castiglioni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cristina Gervasini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Tsuyama T, Fujita K, Sasaki R, Hamanaka S, Sotoyama Y, Ogawa A, Kusuzaki K, Azuma Y, Tada S. N-terminal region of RecQ4 inhibits non-homologous end joining and chromatin association of the Ku heterodimer in Xenopus egg extracts. Gene 2021; 787:145647. [PMID: 33845136 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RecQ4, a member of the RecQ helicase family, is required for the maintenance of genome integrity. RecQ4 has been shown to promote the following two DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). However, its molecular function has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of RecQ4 in NHEJ using Xenopus egg extracts. The N-terminal 598 amino acid region of Xenopus RecQ4 (N598), which lacks a central helicase domain and a downstream C-terminal region, was added to the extracts and its effect on the joining of DNA ends was analyzed. We found that N598 inhibited the joining of linearized DNA ends in the extracts. In addition, N598 inhibited DSB-induced chromatin binding of Ku70, which is essential for NHEJ, while the DSB-induced chromatin binding of the HR-associated proteins, replication protein A (RPA) and Rad51, increased upon the addition of N598. These results suggest that RecQ4 possibly influences the choice of the DSB repair pathway by influencing the association of the Ku heterodimer with the DNA ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tsuyama
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Kumiko Fujita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Shiori Hamanaka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Yuki Sotoyama
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Akira Ogawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Kana Kusuzaki
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Yutaro Azuma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Shusuke Tada
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan.
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Spotlight on the Replisome: Aetiology of DNA Replication-Associated Genetic Diseases. Trends Genet 2021; 37:317-336. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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RNF8 ubiquitinates RecQL4 and promotes its dissociation from DNA double strand breaks. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:24. [PMID: 33674555 PMCID: PMC7935965 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00315-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination-dependent DNA damage response (DDR) signals play a critical role in the cellular choice of DNA damage repair pathways. Human DNA helicase RecQL4 participates in DNA replication and repair, and loss of RecQL4 is associated with autosomal recessive genetic disorders characterized by genomic instability features. In an earlier study, RecQL4 was isolated as a stable complex that contained two ubiquitin ligases of the N-end rule (UBR1 and UBR2). However, it is unknown whether or not RecQL4 ubiquitination status is critical for its DNA repair function. Here, we report that RecQL4 directly interacts with RNF8 (a RING finger ubiquitin E3 ligase), and both co-localize at DNA double-strand break (DSB) sites. Our findings indicate that RNF8 ubiquitinates RecQL4 protein mainly at the lysine sites of 876, 1048, and 1101, thereby facilitating the dissociation of RecQL4 from DSB sites. RecQL4 mutant at ubiquitination sites had a significantly prolonged retention at DSBs, which hinders the recruitment of its direct downstream DSB repair proteins (CtIP & Ku80). Interestingly, reduced DSB repair capacity observed in RecQL4 depleted cells was restored only by the reconstitution of wild-type RecQL4, but not the ubiquitination mutant. Additionally, RecQL4 directly interacts with WRAP53β that is known to recruit RNF8 to DSBs and WRAP53β enhances the association of RecQL4 with RNF8. WRAP53β silencing resulted in a nearly diminished recruitment of RNF8 to DSBs and in a greatly attenuated dissociation of RecQL4 from the DSB sites. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the ubiquitination event mediated by RNF8 constitutes an essential component for RecQL4's function in DSB repair.
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Zirn B, Bernbeck U, Alt K, Oeffner F, Gerhardinger A, Has C. Rothmund-Thomson syndrome type 1 caused by biallelic ANAPC1 gene mutations. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2021; 1:e12. [PMID: 35664819 PMCID: PMC9060067 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Rare syndromic skin disorders may represent a diagnostic challenge. Aims We report a unique case associating cutaneous manifestations and developmental delay. Materials & Methods The affected 14 months old boy had poikiloderma, facial dysmorphism with deep‐set eyes, atrichia, as well as nail dysplasia and non‐descended testes. In addition, his psychomotor development was delayed. Exome sequencing and molecular karyotyping via array‐CGH (oligo‐array, 180k Agilent, design 22060) were performed. Results Mutations in RECQL4 (found in patients with RTS2) were first excluded. In the ANAPC1 gene, a novel combination of a recurrent intronic mutation (c.2705‐198C>T) and a deletion of the second ANAPC1 allele was detected, thus confirming the clinical diagnosis of RTS1. The deletion on chromosome 2q13 comprised further genes and spanned 1,7 megabases. Heterozygous deletions in this region are known as 2q13 microdeletion syndrome and are associated with developmental delay, autism and facial dysmorphism. Discussion The genetic findings most probably explain both, the RTS1 features and the developmental delay. Genetic diagnosis in RTS is indispensable to confirm the specific subtype and its associated risks: juvenile cataracts are features of RTS1 (ANAPC1 gene), whereas a high risk of osteosarcoma is part of RTS2 (RECQL4 gene). Thus, the patient described here is at high risk for the development of juvenile cataracts and requires regular ophthalmologic examination. Conclusion This case report underlines the necessity of thorough clinical diagnosis prior to genetic diagnosis of RTS1, since the recurrent intronic ANAPC1 mutation is otherwise missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Zirn
- Genetikum Stuttgart Genetic Counselling and Diagnostics Stuttgart Germany
| | - U Bernbeck
- Department of Pediatrics Rems-Murr-Klinikum Winnenden Germany
| | - K Alt
- Genetikum Neu-Ulm Genetic Counselling and Diagnostics Neu-Ulm Germany
| | - F Oeffner
- Genetikum Neu-Ulm Genetic Counselling and Diagnostics Neu-Ulm Germany
| | - A Gerhardinger
- Genetikum Neu-Ulm Genetic Counselling and Diagnostics Neu-Ulm Germany
| | - C Has
- Department of Dermatology Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
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Roessner A, Lohmann C, Jechorek D. Translational cell biology of highly malignant osteosarcoma. Pathol Int 2021; 71:291-303. [PMID: 33631032 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Highly malignant osteosarcoma (HMO) is the most frequent malignant bone tumor preferentially occurring in adolescents and children with a second more flat peak in patients over the age of 60. The younger patients benefit from combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 65-70% 5-year survival rate. In patients with metastatic HMO the 5-year survival rate is consistently poor with approximately 30%. In the last several years strategies for target therapies have been developed by using next generation sequencing (NGS) for defining targetable molecular factors. However, it has so far been challenging to establish an effective target therapy for so-called 'orphan tumors' without recognizable driver mutations, including HMO. The molecular genetic studies using NGS have shown that HMOs are genomically unstable tumors with highly complex chaotic karyotypes. Before the background of this genetic complexity more investigations should be performed in the future for defining targetable biological factors. As the prognosis could not be improved for 40 years one may expect improvements for patients only by gaining a deeper understanding of the cell and molecular biology of HMO. The cell of origin of HMO is being clarified now. The majority of studies indicate that an osteoblastic progenitor cell is probably the cell of origin of HMO and not an undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cell. This means that the established histopathological definition of HMO through verification of osteoid production by the osteoblastic cells is well justified and will probably be the cornerstone for a precise differential diagnosis of HMO also in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Roessner
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Lohmann
- Department of Orthopedics, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Doerthe Jechorek
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome-Like RECQL4 Truncating Mutations Cause a Haploinsufficient Low-Bone-Mass Phenotype in Mice. Mol Cell Biol 2021; 41:e0059020. [PMID: 33361189 PMCID: PMC8088275 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00590-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defects in the skeletal system, such as bone hypoplasia, short stature, low bone mass, and an increased incidence of osteosarcoma. RTS type 2 patients have germ line compound biallelic protein-truncating mutations of RECQL4. As existing murine models employ Recql4 null alleles, we have attempted to more accurately model RTS by generating mice with patient-mimicking truncating Recql4 mutations. Truncating mutations impaired the stability and subcellular localization of RECQL4 and resulted in homozygous embryonic lethality and a haploinsufficient low-bone mass phenotype. Combination of a truncating mutation with a conditional Recql4 null allele demonstrated that the skeletal defects were intrinsic to the osteoblast lineage. However, the truncating mutations did not promote tumorigenesis. We utilized murine Recql4 null cells to assess the impact of human RECQL4 mutations using an in vitro complementation assay. While some mutations created unstable protein products, others altered subcellular localization of the protein. Interestingly, the severity of the phenotypes correlated with the extent of protein truncation. Collectively, our results reveal that truncating RECQL4 mutations in mice lead to an osteoporosis-like phenotype through defects in early osteoblast progenitors and identify RECQL4 gene dosage as a novel regulator of bone mass.
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Lejault P, Mitteaux J, Sperti FR, Monchaud D. How to untie G-quadruplex knots and why? Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:436-455. [PMID: 33596431 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For over two decades, the prime objective of the chemical biology community studying G-quadruplexes (G4s) has been to use chemicals to interact with and stabilize G4s in cells to obtain mechanistic interpretations. This strategy has been undoubtedly successful, as demonstrated by recent advances. However, these insights have also led to a fundamental rethinking of G4-targeting strategies: due to the prevalence of G4s in the human genome, transcriptome, and ncRNAome (collectively referred to as the G4ome), and their involvement in human diseases, should we continue developing G4-stabilizing ligands or should we invest in designing molecular tools to unfold G4s? Here, we first focus on how, when, and where G4s fold in cells; then, we describe the enzymatic systems that have evolved to counteract G4 folding and how they have been used as tools to manipulate G4s in cells; finally, we present strategies currently being implemented to devise new molecular G4 unwinding agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Lejault
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France
| | - Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France
| | - Francesco Rota Sperti
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France.
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Das T, Pal S, Ganguly A. Human RecQ helicases in transcription-associated stress management: bridging the gap between DNA and RNA metabolism. Biol Chem 2021; 402:617-636. [PMID: 33567180 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RecQ helicases are a highly conserved class of DNA helicases that play crucial role in almost all DNA metabolic processes including replication, repair and recombination. They are able to unwind a wide variety of complex intermediate DNA structures that may result from cellular DNA transactions and hence assist in maintaining genome integrity. Interestingly, a huge number of recent reports suggest that many of the RecQ family helicases are directly or indirectly involved in regulating transcription and gene expression. On one hand, they can remove complex structures like R-loops, G-quadruplexes or RNA:DNA hybrids formed at the intersection of transcription and replication. On the other hand, emerging evidence suggests that they can also regulate transcription by directly interacting with RNA polymerase or recruiting other protein factors that may regulate transcription. This review summarizes the up to date knowledge on the involvement of three human RecQ family proteins BLM, WRN and RECQL5 in transcription regulation and management of transcription associated stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302, India
| | - Surasree Pal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302, India
| | - Agneyo Ganguly
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302, India
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Slaught C, Berry EG, Bacik L, Skalet AH, Anadiotis G, Tuohy T, Leachman SA. Clinical challenges in interpreting multiple pathogenic mutations in single patients. Hered Cancer Clin Pract 2021; 19:15. [PMID: 33541411 PMCID: PMC7863461 DOI: 10.1186/s13053-021-00172-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the past two decades, genetic testing for cancer risk assessment has entered mainstream clinical practice due to the availability of low-cost panels of multiple cancer-associated genes. However, the clinical value of multiple-gene panels for cancer susceptibility is not well established, especially in cases where panel testing identifies more than one pathogenic variant. The risk for specific malignancies as a result of a mutated gene is complex and likely influenced by superimposed modifier variants and/or environmental effects. Recent data suggests that the combination of multiple pathogenic variants may be fewer than reported by chance, suggesting that some mutation combinations may be detrimental. Management of patients with “incidentally” discovered mutations can be particularly challenging, especially when established guidelines call for radical procedures (e.g. total gastrectomy in CDH1) in patients and families without a classic clinical history concerning for that cancer predisposition syndrome. Case presentation We present two cases, one of an individual and one of a family, with multiple pathogenic mutations detected by multi-gene panel testing to highlight challenges practitioners face in counseling patients about pathogenic variants and determining preventive and therapeutic interventions. Conclusions Ongoing investigation is needed to improve our understanding of inherited susceptibility to disease in general and cancer predisposition syndromes, as this information has the potential to lead to the development of more precise and patient-specific counseling and surveillance strategies. The real-world adoption of new or improved technologies into clinical practice frequently requires medical decision-making in the absence of established understanding of gene-gene interactions. In the meantime, practitioners must be prepared to apply a rationale based on currently available knowledge to clinical decision-making. Current practice is evolving to rely heavily on clinical concordance with personal and family history in making specific therapeutic decisions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13053-021-00172-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Slaught
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 SW Bond Ave, Suite 16D, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Berry
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 SW Bond Ave, Suite 16D, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Lindsay Bacik
- Department of Dermatology, Penn State Health, Hershey, USA
| | - Alison H Skalet
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 SW Bond Ave, Suite 16D, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.,Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - George Anadiotis
- Legacy Cancer Institute, Cancer Genetics Services, Legacy Health Systems, Portland, USA
| | - Therese Tuohy
- Legacy Cancer Institute, Cancer Genetics Services, Legacy Health Systems, Portland, USA
| | - Sancy A Leachman
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 SW Bond Ave, Suite 16D, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
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Schmit M, Bielinsky AK. Congenital Diseases of DNA Replication: Clinical Phenotypes and Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E911. [PMID: 33477564 PMCID: PMC7831139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication can be divided into three major steps: initiation, elongation and termination. Each time a human cell divides, these steps must be reiteratively carried out. Disruption of DNA replication can lead to genomic instability, with the accumulation of point mutations or larger chromosomal anomalies such as rearrangements. While cancer is the most common class of disease associated with genomic instability, several congenital diseases with dysfunctional DNA replication give rise to similar DNA alterations. In this review, we discuss all congenital diseases that arise from pathogenic variants in essential replication genes across the spectrum of aberrant replisome assembly, origin activation and DNA synthesis. For each of these conditions, we describe their clinical phenotypes as well as molecular studies aimed at determining the functional mechanisms of disease, including the assessment of genomic stability. By comparing and contrasting these diseases, we hope to illuminate how the disruption of DNA replication at distinct steps affects human health in a surprisingly cell-type-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja-Katrin Bielinsky
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
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45
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Checkpoint functions of RecQ helicases at perturbed DNA replication fork. Curr Genet 2021; 67:369-382. [PMID: 33427950 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-020-01147-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
DNA replication checkpoint is a cell signaling pathway that is activated in response to perturbed replication. Although it is crucial for maintaining genomic integrity and cell survival, the exact mechanism of the checkpoint signaling remains to be understood. Emerging evidence has shown that RecQ helicases, a large family of helicases that are conserved from bacteria to yeasts and humans, contribute to the replication checkpoint as sensors, adaptors, or regulation targets. Here, we highlight the multiple functions of RecQ helicases in the replication checkpoint in four model organisms and present additional evidence that fission yeast RecQ helicase Rqh1 may participate in the replication checkpoint as a sensor.
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Lyu G, Su P, Hao X, Chen S, Ren S, Zhao Z, Gong Y, Liu Q, Shao C. RECQL4 regulates DNA damage response and redox homeostasis in esophageal cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 18:120-138. [PMID: 33628589 PMCID: PMC7877169 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: RECQL4 (a member of the RECQ helicase family) upregulation has been reported to be associated with tumor progression in several malignancies. However, whether RECQL4 sustains esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been elucidated. In this study, we determined the functional role for RECQL4 in ESCC progression. Methods: RECQL4 expression in clinical samples of ESCC was examined by immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation, cellular senescence, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species in ESCC cell lines with RECQL4 depletion or overexpression were analyzed. The levels of proteins involved in the DNA damage response (DDR), cell cycle progression, survival, and the EMT were determined by Western blot analyses. Results: RECQL4 was highly expressed in tumor tissues when compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues in ESCC (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with poor differentiation (P = 0.011), enhanced invasion (P = 0.033), and metastasis (P = 0.048). RECQL4 was positively associated with proliferation and migration in ESCC cells. Depletion of RECQL4 also inhibited growth of tumor xenografts in vivo. RECQL4 depletion induced G0/G1 phase arrest and cellular senescence. Importantly, the levels of DNA damage and reactive oxygen species were increased when RECQL4 was depleted. DDR, as measured by the activation of ATM, ATR, CHK1, and CHK2, was impaired. RECQL4 was also shown to promote the activation of AKT, ERK, and NF-kB in ESCC cells. Conclusions: The results indicated that RECQL4 was highly expressed in ESCC and played critical roles in the regulation of DDR, redox homeostasis, and cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guosheng Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Peng Su
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaohe Hao
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shuai Ren
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Zixiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Somatic and germline analysis of a familial Rothmund-Thomson syndrome in two siblings with osteosarcoma. NPJ Genom Med 2020; 5:51. [PMID: 33294214 PMCID: PMC7718910 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-020-00160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Rothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS) is characterized by a rash that begins in the first few months of life and eventually develops into poikiloderma. Associated symptoms are alterations in the teeth, sparse hair, thin eyebrows, lack of eyelashes, low stature, bone abnormalities, hematological illnesses, gastrointestinal disease, malnutrition, cataracts, and predisposition to cancer, principally to bone tumors and skin cancer. Diagnostic certitude is provided by a genetic study involving detection of pathogenic variants of the RECQL4 gene. We hereby present a familiar case of RTS in two siblings from a Portuguese family, both diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Genomic analysis (203 genes) of both tumors as well as germline analysis of the RECQL4 gene, thus confirming the syndrome in the family, have been performed. The relevance of clinical recognition of the hallmarks of the disease and thus early diagnosis with early intervention is highlighted.
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Dhar S, Datta A, Brosh RM. DNA helicases and their roles in cancer. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 96:102994. [PMID: 33137625 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA helicases, known for their fundamentally important roles in genomic stability, are high profile players in cancer. Not only are there monogenic helicase disorders with a strong disposition to cancer, it is well appreciated that helicase variants are associated with specific cancers (e.g., breast cancer). Flipping the coin, DNA helicases are frequently overexpressed in cancerous tissues and reduction in helicase gene expression results in reduced proliferation and growth capacity, as well as DNA damage induction and apoptosis of cancer cells. The seminal roles of helicases in the DNA damage and replication stress responses, as well as DNA repair pathways, validate their vital importance in cancer biology and suggest their potential values as targets in anti-cancer therapy. In recent years, many laboratories have characterized the specialized roles of helicase to resolve transcription-replication conflicts, maintain telomeres, mediate cell cycle checkpoints, remodel stalled replication forks, and regulate transcription. In vivo models, particularly mice, have been used to interrogate helicase function and serve as a bridge for preclinical studies that may lead to novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge of DNA helicases and their roles in cancer, emphasizing the latest developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Dhar
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Arindam Datta
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Kalfakakou D, Konstantopoulou I, Yannoukakos D, Fostira F. Pitfalls in variant annotation for hereditary cancer diagnostics: The example of Illumina® VariantStudio®. Genomics 2020; 113:748-754. [PMID: 33053411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and specifically targeted panel sequencing is the state-of-the-art in clinical genetic diagnosis of Mendelian diseases. However, the bioinformatics analysis and interpretation of the generated data can be challenging. A spotlight on the default transcript selection of a user-friendly, commercially available software that is widely used by genetics professionals, i.e. Illumina® VariantStudio®, is presented. For the sake of comparison, we employed Ensembl VEP, an open-source command-line tool, as it provides flexibility regarding transcript selection. The analysis of NGS data deriving from sequencing of 857 germline DNA samples of cancer patients indicated a concordance of 82.82% between the two software programs. Significantly, using the default transcript configuration of VariantStudio®, we failed to annotate correctly 11.45% of the identified loss-of-function variants. Our results underline the importance of cautious software and transcript selection and the need for reliable, white-box data analysis, along with bioinformatics expertise in clinical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Kalfakakou
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, INRaSTES, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Greece
| | - Irene Konstantopoulou
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, INRaSTES, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Greece
| | - Drakoulis Yannoukakos
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, INRaSTES, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Greece
| | - Florentia Fostira
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, INRaSTES, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Greece.
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Mutations in conserved functional domains of human RecQ helicases are associated with diseases and cancer: A review. Biophys Chem 2020; 265:106433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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