SUMO modification of the neuroprotective protein TDP1 facilitates chromosomal single-strand break repair

Decoding mitochondrial DNA damage and repair associated with H. pylori infection

Mitochondrial genomic stability is critical to prevent various human inflammatory diseases. Bacterial infection significantly increases oxidative stress, driving mitochondrial genomic instability and initiating inflammatory human disease. Oxidative DNA base damage is predominantly repaired by base excision repair (BER) in the nucleus (nBER) as well as in the mitochondria (mtBER). In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous and H. pylori infection-associated oxidative mtDNA damage, mtDNA replication stress, and its impact on innate immune signaling. Additionally, we discuss how mutations located on mitochondria targeting sequence (MTS) of BER genes may contribute to mtDNA genome instability and innate immune signaling activation. Overall, the review summarizes evidence to understand the dynamics of mitochondria genome and the impact of mtBER in innate immune response during H. pylori-associated pathological outcomes.

TDP1 represents a promising therapeutic target for overcoming tumor resistance to chemotherapeutic agents: progress and potential

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in repairing DNA lesions caused by the entrapment of DNA topoisomerase IB (TOP1)-DNA break-associated crosslinks. TDP1 inhibitors exhibit synergistic effects with TOP1 inhibitors in cancer cells, effectively overcoming resistance to TOP1 inhibitors. Therefore, this approach presents a promising strategy for reversing tumor resistance to TOP1 inhibitors. This review comprehensively outlines the structural and biological features of TDP1, the substrates involved in its catalytic hydrolysis, and its potential as a therapeutic target in oncology. Additionally, we summarize the various screening methods used to identify TDP1 inhibitors, alongside the latest advancements in TDP1 inhibitor research.

TDP1 phosphorylation by CDK1 in mitosis promotes MUS81-dependent repair of trapped Top1-DNA covalent complexes

Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) controls DNA topology, relieves DNA supercoiling during replication and transcription, and is critical for mitotic progression to the G1 phase. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) mediates the removal of trapped Top1-DNA covalent complexes (Top1cc). Here, we identify CDK1-dependent phosphorylation of TDP1 at residue S61 during mitosis. A TDP1 variant defective for S61 phosphorylation (TDP1-S61A) is trapped on the mitotic chromosomes, triggering DNA damage and mitotic defects. Moreover, we show that Top1cc repair in mitosis occurs via a MUS81-dependent DNA repair mechanism. Replication stress induced by camptothecin or aphidicolin leads to TDP1-S61A enrichment at common fragile sites, which over-stimulates MUS81-dependent chromatid breaks, anaphase bridges, and micronuclei, ultimately culminating in the formation of 53BP1 nuclear bodies during G1 phase. Our findings provide new insights into the cell cycle-dependent regulation of TDP1 dynamics for the repair of trapped Top1-DNA covalent complexes during mitosis that prevents genomic instability following replication stress.

Transcriptomic analysis of HEK293A cells with a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TDP1 knockout

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a human DNA repair protein. It is a member of the phospholipase D family based on structural similarity. TDP1 is a key enzyme of the repair of stalled topoisomerase 1 (TOP1)-DNA complexes. Previously, with the CRISPR/Cas9 method, we obtained HEK293A cells with a homozygous knockout of the TDP1 gene and used the TDP1 knockout cells as a cellular model for studying mechanisms of action of an anticancer therapy. In the present work, we hypothesized that the TDP1 knockout would alter the expression of DNA repair-related genes. By transcriptomic analysis, we investigated for the first time the effect of the TDP1 gene knockout on genes' expression changes in the human HEK293A cell line. We obtained original data implying a role of TDP1 in other processes besides the repair of the DNA-TOP1 complex. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that TDP1 may participate in cell adhesion and communication, spermatogenesis, mitochondrial function, neurodegeneration, a cytokine response, and the MAPK signaling pathway.

SUMO and the DNA damage response

The preservation of genome integrity requires specialised DNA damage repair (DDR) signalling pathways to respond to each type of DNA damage. A key feature of DDR is the integration of numerous post-translational modification signals with DNA repair factors. These modifications influence DDR factor recruitment to damaged DNA, activity, protein-protein interactions, and ultimately eviction to enable access for subsequent repair factors or termination of DDR signalling. SUMO1-3 (small ubiquitin-like modifier 1-3) conjugation has gained much recent attention. The SUMO-modified proteome is enriched with DNA repair factors. Here we provide a snapshot of our current understanding of how SUMO signalling impacts the major DNA repair pathways in mammalian cells. We highlight repeating themes of SUMO signalling used throughout DNA repair pathways including the assembly of protein complexes, competition with ubiquitin to promote DDR factor stability and ubiquitin-dependent degradation or extraction of SUMOylated DDR factors. As SUMO 'addiction' in cancer cells is protective to genomic integrity, targeting components of the SUMO machinery to potentiate DNA damaging therapy or exacerbate existing DNA repair defects is a promising area of study.

N-terminal domain of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I regulates topoisomerase I-induced toxicity in cells

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) hydrolyzes phosphodiester-linked adducts from both ends of DNA. This includes the topoisomerase I (TOP1)-DNA covalent reaction intermediate that is the target of the camptothecin class of chemotherapeutics. Tdp1 two-step catalysis is centered on the formation of a Tdp1-DNA covalent complex (Tdp1cc) using two catalytic histidines. Here, we examined the role of the understudied, structurally undefined, and poorly conserved N-terminal domain (NTD) of Tdp1 in context of full-length protein in its ability to remove TOP1cc in cells. Using toxic Tdp1 mutants, we observed that the NTD is critical for Tdp1's ability to remove TOP1-DNA adducts in yeast. Full-length and N-terminal truncated Tdp1 mutants showed similar expression levels and cellular distribution yet an inversed TOP1-dependent toxicity. Single turnover catalysis was significantly different between full-length and truncated catalytic mutants but not wild-type enzyme, suggesting that Tdp1 mutants depend on the NTD for catalysis. These observations suggest that the NTD plays a critical role in the regulation of Tdp1 activity and interaction with protein-DNA adducts such as TOP1cc in cells. We propose that the NTD is a regulatory domain and coordinates stabilization of the DNA-adducted end within the catalytic pocket to access the phosphodiester linkage for hydrolysis.

Interplay between symmetric arginine dimethylation and ubiquitylation regulates TDP1 proteostasis for the repair of topoisomerase I-DNA adducts

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (TDP1) hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond between a DNA 3' end and a tyrosyl moiety and is implicated in the repair of trapped topoisomerase I (Top1)-DNA covalent complexes (Top1cc). Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) catalyzes arginine methylation of TDP1 at the residues R361 and R586. Here, we establish mechanistic crosstalk between TDP1 arginine methylation and ubiquitylation, which is critical for TDP1 homeostasis and cellular responses to Top1 poisons. We show that R586 methylation promotes TDP1 ubiquitylation, which facilitates ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent TDP1 turnover by impeding the binding of UCHL3 (deubiquitylase enzyme) with TDP1. TDP1-R586 also promotes TDP1-XRCC1 binding and XRCC1 foci formation at Top1cc-damage sites. Intriguingly, R361 methylation enhances the 3'-phosphodiesterase activity of TDP1 in real-time fluorescence-based cleavage assays, and this was rationalized using structural modeling. Together, our findings establish arginine methylation as a co-regulator of TDP1 proteostasis and activity, which modulates the repair of trapped Top1cc.

SUMO: A Swiss Army Knife for Eukaryotic Topoisomerases

Topoisomerases play crucial roles in DNA metabolism that include replication, transcription, recombination, and chromatin structure by manipulating DNA structures arising in double-stranded DNA. These proteins play key enzymatic roles in a variety of cellular processes and are also likely to play structural roles. Topoisomerases allow topological transformations by introducing transient breaks in DNA by a transesterification reaction between a tyrosine residue of the enzyme and DNA. The cleavage reaction leads to a unique enzyme intermediate that allows cutting DNA while minimizing the potential for damage-induced genetic changes. Nonetheless, topoisomerase-mediated cleavage has the potential for inducing genome instability if the enzyme-mediated DNA resealing is impaired. Regulation of topoisomerase functions is accomplished by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, polyADP-ribosylation, ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation. These modifications modulate enzyme activity and likely play key roles in determining sites of enzyme action and enzyme stability. Topoisomerase-mediated DNA cleavage and rejoining are affected by a variety of conditions including the action of small molecules, topoisomerase mutations, and DNA structural forms which permit the conversion of the short-lived cleavage intermediate to persistent topoisomerase DNA-protein crosslink (TOP-DPC). Recognition and processing of TOP-DPCs utilizes many of the same post-translational modifications that regulate enzyme activity. This review focuses on SUMOylation of topoisomerases, which has been demonstrated to be a key modification of both type I and type II topoisomerases. Special emphasis is placed on recent studies that indicate how SUMOylation regulates topoisomerase function in unperturbed cells and the unique roles that SUMOylation plays in repairing damage arising from topoisomerase malfunction.

Human topoisomerases and their roles in genome stability and organization

Human topoisomerases comprise a family of six enzymes: two type IB (TOP1 and mitochondrial TOP1 (TOP1MT), two type IIA (TOP2A and TOP2B) and two type IA (TOP3A and TOP3B) topoisomerases. In this Review, we discuss their biochemistry and their roles in transcription, DNA replication and chromatin remodelling, and highlight the recent progress made in understanding TOP3A and TOP3B. Because of recent advances in elucidating the high-order organization of the genome through chromatin loops and topologically associating domains (TADs), we integrate the functions of topoisomerases with genome organization. We also discuss the physiological and pathological formation of irreversible topoisomerase cleavage complexes (TOPccs) as they generate topoisomerase DNA–protein crosslinks (TOP-DPCs) coupled with DNA breaks. We discuss the expanding number of redundant pathways that repair TOP-DPCs, and the defects in those pathways, which are increasingly recognized as source of genomic damage leading to neurological diseases and cancer.

Topoisomerases have essential roles in transcription, DNA replication, chromatin remodelling and, as recently revealed, 3D genome organization. However, topoisomerases also generate DNA–protein crosslinks coupled with DNA breaks, which are increasingly recognized as a source of disease-causing genomic damage.

Topoisomerase-Mediated DNA Damage in Neurological Disorders

The nervous system is vulnerable to genomic instability and mutations in DNA damage response factors lead to numerous developmental and progressive neurological disorders. Despite this, the sources and mechanisms of DNA damage that are most relevant to the development of neuronal dysfunction are poorly understood. The identification of primarily neurological abnormalities in patients with mutations in TDP1 and TDP2 suggest that topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage could be an important underlying source of neuronal dysfunction. Here we review the potential sources of topoisomerase-induced DNA damage in neurons, describe the cellular mechanisms that have evolved to repair such damage, and discuss the importance of these repair mechanisms for preventing neurological disorders.

PARylation prevents the proteasomal degradation of topoisomerase I DNA-protein crosslinks and induces their deubiquitylation

Poly(ADP)-ribosylation (PARylation) regulates chromatin structure and recruits DNA repair proteins. Using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to track topoisomerase I (TOP1) in live cells, we found that sustained PARylation blocked the repair of TOP1 DNA-protein crosslinks (TOP1-DPCs) in a similar fashion as inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). PARylation of TOP1-DPC was readily revealed by inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), indicating the otherwise transient and reversible PARylation of the DPCs. As the UPS is a key repair mechanism for TOP1-DPCs, we investigated the impact of TOP1-DPC PARylation on the proteasome and found that the proteasome is unable to associate with and digest PARylated TOP1-DPCs. In addition, PARylation recruits the deubiquitylating enzyme USP7 to reverse the ubiquitylation of PARylated TOP1-DPCs. Our work identifies PARG as repair factor for TOP1-DPCs by enabling the proteasomal digestion of TOP1-DPCs. It also suggests the potential regulatory role of PARylation for the repair of a broad range of DPCs.

Transcription-associated DNA breaks and cancer: A matter of DNA topology

Transcription is an essential cellular process but also a major threat to genome integrity. Transcription-associated DNA breaks are particularly detrimental as their defective repair can induce gene mutations and oncogenic chromosomal translocations, which are hallmarks of cancer. The past few years have revealed that transcriptional breaks mainly originate from DNA topological problems generated by the transcribing RNA polymerases. Defective removal of transcription-induced DNA torsional stress impacts on transcription itself and promotes secondary DNA structures, such as R-loops, which can induce DNA breaks and genome instability. Paradoxically, as they relax DNA during transcription, topoisomerase enzymes introduce DNA breaks that can also endanger genome integrity. Stabilization of topoisomerases on chromatin by various anticancer drugs or by DNA alterations, can interfere with transcription machinery and cause permanent DNA breaks and R-loops. Here, we review the role of transcription in mediating DNA breaks, and discuss how deregulation of topoisomerase activity can impact on transcription and DNA break formation, and its connection with cancer.

High Temperature Drives Topoisomerase Mediated Chromosomal Break Repair Pathway Choice

Simple Summary

Targeting topoisomerases has been widely used as anticancer therapeutics. Exposure to high temperature (hyperthermia) protects cells from the cytotoxic effect of topoisomerase-targeting therapeutics, yet the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report that hyperthermia inhibits the nucleolytic processing of topoisomerase-induced DNA damage and drives repair to a more faithful pathway mediated by TDP1 and TDP2. We further show that hyperthermia suppresses topoisomerase-induced chromosomal translocation and hallmarks of inflammation, which has broad implications in cancer development and therapy.

Abstract

Cancer-causing mutations often arise from inappropriate DNA repair, yet acute exposure to DNA damage is widely used to treat cancer. The challenge remains in how to specifically induce excessive DNA damage in cancer cells while minimizing the undesirable effects of genomic instability in noncancerous cells. One approach is the acute exposure to hyperthermia, which suppresses DNA repair and synergizes with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. An exception, however, is the protective effect of hyperthermia on topoisomerase targeting therapeutics. The molecular explanation for this conundrum remains unclear. Here, we show that hyperthermia suppresses the level of topoisomerase mediated single- and double-strand breaks induced by exposure to topoisomerase poisons. We further uncover that, hyperthermia suppresses hallmarks of genomic instability induced by topoisomerase targeting therapeutics by inhibiting nuclease activities, thereby channeling repair to error-free pathways driven by tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases. These findings provide an explanation for the protective effect of hyperthermia from topoisomerase-induced DNA damage and may help to explain the inverse relationship between cancer incidence and temperature. They also pave the way for the use of controlled heat as a therapeutic adjunct to topoisomerase targeting therapeutics.

Top1-PARP1 association and beyond: from DNA topology to break repair

Selective trapping of human topoisomerase 1 (Top1) on the DNA (Top1 cleavage complexes; Top1cc) by specific Top1-poisons triggers DNA breaks and cell death. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an early nick sensor for trapped Top1cc. New mechanistic insights have been developed in recent years to rationalize the importance of PARP1 beyond the repair of Top1-induced DNA breaks. This review summarizes the progress in the molecular mechanisms of trapped Top1cc-induced DNA damage, PARP1 activation at DNA damage sites, PAR-dependent regulation of Top1 nuclear dynamics, and PARP1-associated molecular network for Top1cc repair. Finally, we have discussed the rationale behind the synergy between the combination of Top1 poison and PARP inhibitors in cancer chemotherapies, which is independent of the ‘PARP trapping’ phenomenon.

Recifin A, Initial Example of the Tyr-Lock Peptide Structural Family, Is a Selective Allosteric Inhibitor of Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase I

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a molecular target for the sensitization of cancer cells to the FDA-approved topoisomerase inhibitors topotecan and irinotecan. High-throughput screening of natural product extract and fraction libraries for inhibitors of TDP1 activity resulted in the discovery of a new class of knotted cyclic peptides from the marine sponge Axinella sp. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the source extract resulted in the isolation of the active component which was determined to be an unprecedented 42-residue cysteine-rich peptide named recifin A. The native NMR structure revealed a novel fold comprising a four strand antiparallel β-sheet and two helical turns stabilized by a complex disulfide bond network that creates an embedded ring around one of the strands. The resulting structure, which we have termed the Tyr-lock peptide family, is stabilized by a tyrosine residue locked into three-dimensional space. Recifin A inhibited the cleavage of phosphodiester bonds by TDP1 in a FRET assay with an IC₅₀ of 190 nM. Enzyme kinetics studies revealed that recifin A can specifically modulate the enzymatic activity of full-length TDP1 while not affecting the activity of a truncated catalytic domain of TDP1 lacking the N-terminal regulatory domain (Δ1-147), suggesting an allosteric binding site for recifin A on the regulatory domain of TDP1. Recifin A represents both the first of a unique structural class of knotted disulfide-rich peptides and defines a previously unseen mechanism of TDP1 inhibition that could be productively exploited for potential anticancer applications.

A conserved SUMO pathway repairs topoisomerase DNA-protein cross-links by engaging ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation

Topoisomerases form transient covalent DNA cleavage complexes to perform their reactions. Topoisomerase I cleavage complexes (TOP1ccs) are trapped by camptothecin and TOP2ccs by etoposide. Proteolysis of the trapped topoisomerase DNA-protein cross-links (TOP-DPCs) is a key step for some pathways to repair these lesions. We describe a pathway that features a prominent role of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification for both TOP1- and TOP2-DPC repair. Both undergo rapid and sequential SUMO-2/3 and SUMO-1 modifications in human cells. The SUMO ligase PIAS4 is required for these modifications. RNF4, a SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL), then ubiquitylates the TOP-DPCs for their subsequent degradation by the proteasome. This pathway is conserved in yeast with Siz1 and Slx5-Slx8, the orthologs of human PIAS4 and RNF4.

Excision repair of topoisomerase DNA-protein crosslinks (TOP-DPC)

Topoisomerases are essential enzymes solving DNA topological problems such as supercoils, knots and catenanes that arise from replication, transcription, chromatin remodeling and other nucleic acid metabolic processes. They are also the targets of widely used anticancer drugs (e.g. topotecan, irinotecan, enhertu, etoposide, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone) and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin). Topoisomerases manipulate DNA topology by cleaving one DNA strand (TOP1 and TOP3 enzymes) or both in concert (TOP2 enzymes) through the formation of transient enzyme-DNA cleavage complexes (TOPcc) with phosphotyrosyl linkages between DNA ends and the catalytic tyrosyl residue of the enzymes. Failure in the self-resealing of TOPcc results in persistent TOPcc (which we refer it to as topoisomerase DNA-protein crosslinks (TOP-DPC)) that threaten genome integrity and lead to cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. The cell prevents the accumulation of topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage by excising TOP-DPC and ligating the associated breaks using multiple pathways conserved in eukaryotes. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases (TDP1 and TDP2) cleave the tyrosyl-DNA bonds whereas structure-specific endonucleases such as Mre11 and XPF (Rad1) incise the DNA phosphodiester backbone to remove the TOP-DPC along with the adjacent DNA segment. The proteasome and metalloproteases of the WSS1/Spartan family typify proteolytic repair pathways that debulk TOP-DPC to make the peptide-DNA bonds accessible to the TDPs and endonucleases. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current understanding of how the cell excises TOP-DPC and why, when and where the cell recruits one specific mechanism for repairing topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage, acquiring resistance to therapeutic topoisomerase inhibitors and avoiding genomic instability, cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.

Repair of DNA-protein crosslinks in plants

DNA-protein crosslinks represent a severe kind of DNA damage as they disturb essential processes, such as transcription and DNA replication, due to their bulkiness. To ensure the maintenance of genome integrity, it is necessary for all living organisms to repair these lesions in a timely manner. Over recent years, much knowledge has been obtained regarding the repair of DNA-protein crosslinks (DPC), but it was only recently that the first insights into the mechanisms of DPC repair in plants were obtained. The plant DPC repair network consists of at least three parallel pathways that resolve DPC by distinct biochemical mechanisms. The endonuclease MUS81 resolves the DPC by cleaving the DNA part of the crosslink, the protease WSS1A is able to degrade the protein part and the tyrosyl-DNA-phosphodiesterase TDP1 can hydrolyse the crosslink between a protein and the DNA. However, due to the variety of different DPC types and the evolutionary conservation of pathways between eukaryotes, we expect that future research will reveal additional factors involved in DPC repair in plants.

Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase I N-Terminal Domain Modifications and Interactions Regulate Cellular Function

The conserved eukaryotic DNA repair enzyme Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) removes a diverse array of adducts from the end of DNA strand breaks. Tdp1 specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphodiester linked DNA-adducts. These DNA lesions range from damaged nucleotides to peptide-DNA adducts to protein-DNA covalent complexes and are products of endogenously or exogenously induced insults or simply failed reaction products. These adducts include DNA inserted ribonucleotides and non-conventional nucleotides, as well as covalent reaction intermediates of DNA topoisomerases with DNA and a Tdp1-DNA adduct in trans. This implies that Tdp1 plays a role in maintaining genome stability and cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of Tdp1 protein levels or catalysis shifts the equilibrium to genome instability and is associated with driving human pathologies such as cancer and neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlight the function of the N-terminal domain of Tdp1. This domain is understudied, structurally unresolved, and the least conserved in amino acid sequence and length compared to the rest of the enzyme. However, over time it emerged that the N-terminal domain was post-translationally modified by, among others, phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and Ubiquitinoylation, which regulate Tdp1 protein interactions with other DNA repair associated proteins, cellular localization, and Tdp1 protein stability.

UCHL3 Regulates Topoisomerase-Induced Chromosomal Break Repair by Controlling TDP1 Proteostasis

Genomic damage can feature DNA-protein crosslinks whereby their acute accumulation is utilized to treat cancer and progressive accumulation causes neurodegeneration. This is typified by tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), which repairs topoisomerase-mediated chromosomal breaks. Although TDP1 levels vary in multiple clinical settings, the mechanism underpinning this variation is unknown. We reveal that TDP1 is controlled by ubiquitylation and identify UCHL3 as the deubiquitylase that controls TDP1 proteostasis. Depletion of UCHL3 increases TDP1 ubiquitylation and turnover rate and sensitizes cells to TOP1 poisons. Overexpression of UCHL3, but not a catalytically inactive mutant, suppresses TDP1 ubiquitylation and turnover rate. TDP1 overexpression in the topoisomerase therapy-resistant rhabdomyosarcoma is driven by UCHL3 overexpression. In contrast, UCHL3 is downregulated in spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (SCAN1), causing elevated levels of TDP1 ubiquitylation and faster turnover rate. These data establish UCHL3 as a regulator of TDP1 proteostasis and, consequently, a fine-tuner of protein-linked DNA break repair.

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TDP1 proteostasis is controlled by a UCHL3-dependent ubiquitylation mechanism

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UCHL3 depletion sensitizes mammalian cells to TOP1 inhibitors

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Increased TDP1 protein in rhabdomyosarcoma is driven by UCHL3 upregulation

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Decreased TDP1 protein in spinocerebellar ataxia is driven by UCHL3 downregulation

SCAN1-TDP1 trapping on mitochondrial DNA promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy

A homozygous mutation of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) causes the neurodegenerative syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (SCAN1). TDP1 hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond between DNA 3'-end and a tyrosyl moiety within trapped topoisomerase I (Top1)-DNA covalent complexes (Top1cc). TDP1 is critical for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair; however, the role of mitochondria remains largely unknown for the etiology of SCAN1. We demonstrate that mitochondria in cells expressing SCAN1-TDP1 (TDP1^H493R) are selectively trapped on mtDNA in the regulatory non-coding region and promoter sequences. Trapped TDP1^H493R-mtDNA complexes were markedly increased in the presence of the Top1 poison (mito-SN38) when targeted selectively into mitochondria in nanoparticles. TDP1^H493R-trapping accumulates mtDNA damage and triggers Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission, which blocks mitobiogenesis. TDP1^H493R prompts PTEN-induced kinase 1-dependent mitophagy to eliminate dysfunctional mitochondria. SCAN1-TDP1 in mitochondria creates a pathological state that allows neurons to turn on mitophagy to rescue fit mitochondria as a mechanism of survival.

Replication-Coupled DNA Repair

The replisome quickly and accurately copies billions of DNA bases each cell division cycle. However, it can make errors, especially when the template DNA is damaged. In these cases, replication-coupled repair mechanisms remove the mistake or repair the template lesions to ensure high fidelity and complete copying of the genome. Failures in these genome maintenance activities generate mutations, rearrangements, and chromosome segregation problems that cause many human diseases. In this review, I provide a broad overview of replication-coupled repair pathways, explaining how they fix polymerase mistakes, respond to template damage that acts as obstacles to the replisome, deal with broken forks, and impact human health and disease.

Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 and Topoisomerase I Activities as Predictive Indicators for Glioblastoma Susceptibility to Genotoxic Agents

Glioblastoma (GBM) patients have an estimated survival of ~15 months with treatment, and the standard of care only modestly enhances patient survival. Identifying biomarkers representing vulnerabilities may allow for the selection of efficacious chemotherapy options to address personalized variations in GBM tumors. Irinotecan targets topoisomerase I (TOP1) by forming a ternary DNA-TOP1 cleavage complex (TOP1cc), inducing apoptosis. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a crucial repair enzyme that may reduce the effectiveness of irinotecan. We treated GBM cell lines with increasing concentrations of irinotecan and compared the IC₅₀ values. We found that the TDP1/TOP1 activity ratio had the strongest correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient R = 0.972, based on the average from three sets of experiments) with IC₅₀ values following irinotecan treatment. Increasing the TDP1/TOP1 activity ratio by the ectopic expression of wild-type TDP1 increased in irinotecan IC₅₀, while the expression of the TDP1 catalytic-null mutant did not alter the susceptibility to irinotecan. The TDP1/TOP1 activity ratio may be a new predictive indicator for GBM vulnerability to irinotecan, allowing for the selection of individual patients for irinotecan treatment based on risk-benefit. Moreover, TDP1 inhibitors may be a novel combination treatment with irinotecan to improve GBM patient responsiveness to genotoxic chemotherapies.

SUMOylation and deacetylation affect NF-κB p65 activity induced by high glucose in human lens epithelial cells

AIM

To explore the effects of IκBα SUMOylation and NF-κB p65 deacetylation on NF-κB p65 activity induced by high glucose in cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLECs).

METHODS

HLECs (SRA01/04) were cultured with 5.5, 25, and 50 mmol/L glucose media for 24h, and with 50 mmol/L glucose media for 0, 12, and 24h respectively. SUMO1 and SIRT1 expressions were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot (WB). IκBα and NF-κB p65 expressions were detected by WB. With NAC, DTT, MG132 or Resveratrol (RSV) treatment, SUMO1 and SIRT1 expressions were detected by WB. Protein expression localizations were examined by immunofluorescence and co-immunofluorescence. The effects of SUMO1 or SIRT1 overexpression, as well as MG132 and RSV, on the nuclear expression and activity of IκBα and NF-κB p65 were analyzed by immunoblot and dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

SUMO1 and SIRT1 expressions were influenced by high glucose in mRNA and protein levels, which could be blocked by NAC or DTT. SUMO1 was down-regulated by using MG132, and SIRT1 was up-regulated under RSV treatment. IκBα nuclear expression was attenuated and NF-κB p65 was opposite under high glucose, while IκBα and NF-κB p65 location was transferred to the nucleus. SUMO1 or SIRT1 overexpression and MG132 or RSV treatment affected the nuclear expression and activity of IκBα and NF-κB p65 under high glucose condition.

CONCLUSION

IκBα SUMOylation and NF-κB p65 deacetylation affect NF-κB p65 activity in cultured HLECs under high glucose, and presumably play a significant role in controlling diabetic cataract.

DNA- and DNA-Protein-Crosslink Repair in Plants

DNA-crosslinks are one of the most severe types of DNA lesions. Crosslinks (CLs) can be subdivided into DNA-intrastrand CLs, DNA-interstrand CLs (ICLs) and DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs), and arise by various exogenous and endogenous sources. If left unrepaired before the cell enters S-phase, ICLs and DPCs pose a major threat to genomic integrity by blocking replication. In order to prevent the collapse of replication forks and impairment of cell division, complex repair pathways have emerged. In mammals, ICLs are repaired by the so-called Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway, which includes 22 different FANC genes, while in plants only a few of these genes are conserved. In this context, two pathways of ICL repair have been defined, each requiring the interaction of a helicase (FANCJB/RTEL1) and a nuclease (FAN1/MUS81). Moreover, homologous recombination (HR) as well as postreplicative repair factors are also involved. Although DPCs possess a comparable toxic potential to cells, it has only recently been shown that at least three parallel pathways for DPC repair exist in plants, defined by the protease WSS1A, the endonuclease MUS81 and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1). The importance of crosslink repair processes are highlighted by the fact that deficiencies in the respective pathways are associated with diverse hereditary disorders.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases: rescuing the genome from the risks of relaxation

Tyrosyl–DNA Phosphodiesterases 1 (TDP1) and 2 (TDP2) are eukaryotic enzymes that clean-up after aberrant topoisomerase activity. While TDP1 hydrolyzes phosphotyrosyl peptides emanating from trapped topoisomerase I (Top I) from the 3′ DNA ends, topoisomerase 2 (Top II)-induced 5′-phosphotyrosyl residues are processed by TDP2. Even though the canonical functions of TDP1 and TDP2 are complementary, they exhibit little structural or sequence similarity. Homozygous mutations in genes encoding these enzymes lead to the development of severe neurodegenerative conditions due to the accumulation of transcription-dependent topoisomerase cleavage complexes underscoring the biological significance of these enzymes in the repair of topoisomerase–DNA lesions in the nervous system. TDP1 can promiscuously process several blocked 3′ ends generated by DNA damaging agents and nucleoside analogs in addition to hydrolyzing 3′-phosphotyrosyl residues. In addition, deficiency of these enzymes causes hypersensitivity to anti-tumor topoisomerase poisons. Thus, TDP1 and TDP2 are promising therapeutic targets and their inhibitors are expected to significantly synergize the effects of current anti-tumor therapies including topoisomerase poisons and other DNA damaging agents. This review covers the structural aspects, biology and regulation of these enzymes, along with ongoing developments in the process of discovering safe and effective TDP inhibitors.

Mammalian Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterases in the Context of Mitochondrial DNA Repair

Mammalian mitochondria contain four topoisomerases encoded in the nuclear genome: TOP1MT, TOP2α, TOP2β, and TOP3α. They also contain the two known tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases (TDPs): TDP1 and TDP2, including a specific TDP2^S isoform. Both TDP1 and TDP2 excise abortive topoisomerase cleavage complexes (TOPccs), yet their molecular structures and mechanisms are different. TDP1 is present across eukaryotes, from yeasts to humans and belongs to the phospholipase D family. It functions without a metal cofactor and has a broad activity range, as it also serves to cleanse blocking 3′-DNA ends bearing phosphoglycolate, deoxyribose phosphate, nucleoside, nucleoside analogs (zidovudine), abasic moieties, and with a lower efficiency, TOP2ccs. Found in higher vertebrates, TDP2 is absent in yeast where TDP1 appears to perform its functions. TDP2 belongs to the exonuclease/endonuclease/phosphodiesterase family and requires magnesium as a cofactor to excise TOP2ccs, and it also excises TOP1ccs, albeit with a lower efficiency. Here, we review TDP1 and TDP2 in the context of mitochondrial DNA repair and discuss potential new research areas centered on the mitochondrial TDPs.

PRMT5-mediated arginine methylation of TDP1 for the repair of topoisomerase I covalent complexes

Human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases (TDP) hydrolyze the phosphodiester bond between DNA and the catalytic tyrosine of Top1 to excise topoisomerase I cleavage complexes (Top1cc) that are trapped by camptothecin (CPT) and by genotoxic DNA alterations. Here we show that the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 enhances the repair of Top1cc by direct binding to TDP1 and arginine dimethylation of TDP1 at residues R361 and R586. Top1-induced replication-mediated DNA damage induces TDP1 arginine methylation, enhancing its 3'- phosphodiesterase activity. TDP1 arginine methylation also increases XRCC1 association with TDP1 in response to CPT, and the recruitment of XRCC1 to Top1cc DNA damage foci. PRMT5 knockdown cells exhibit defective TDP1 activity with marked elevation in replication-coupled CPT-induced DNA damage and lethality. Finally, methylation of R361 and R586 stimulate TDP1 repair function and promote cell survival in response to CPT. Together, our findings provide evidence for the importance of PRMT5 for the post-translational regulation of TDP1 and repair of Top1cc.

Epigenetic changes in histone acetylation underpin resistance to the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan

The topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitor irinotecan triggers cell death by trapping TOP1 on DNA, generating cytotoxic protein-linked DNA breaks (PDBs). Despite its wide application in a variety of solid tumors, the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance to irinotecan remains poorly understood. Here, we generated colorectal cancer (CRC) cell models for irinotecan resistance and report that resistance is neither due to downregulation of the main cellular target of irinotecan TOP1 nor upregulation of the key TOP1 PDB repair factor TDP1. Instead, the faster repair of PDBs underlies resistance, which is associated with perturbed histone H4K16 acetylation. Subsequent treatment of irinotecan-resistant, but not parental, CRC cells with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can effectively overcome resistance. Immunohistochemical analyses of CRC tissues further corroborate the importance of histone H4K16 acetylation in CRC. Finally, the resistant clones exhibit cross-resistance with oxaliplatin but not with ionising radiation or 5-fluoruracil, suggesting that the latter two could be employed following loss of irinotecan response. These findings identify perturbed chromatin acetylation in irinotecan resistance and establish HDAC inhibitors as potential therapeutic means to overcome resistance.

Mechanisms of DNA-protein crosslink repair

Covalent DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs, also known as protein adducts) of topoisomerases and other proteins with DNA are highly toxic DNA lesions. Of note, chemical agents that induce DPCs include widely used classes of chemotherapeutics. Their bulkiness blocks virtually every chromatin-based process and makes them intractable for repair by canonical repair pathways. Distinct DPC repair pathways employ unique points of attack and are crucial for the maintenance of genome stability. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases (TDPs) directly hydrolyse the covalent linkage between protein and DNA. The MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) nuclease complex targets the DNA component of DPCs, excising the fragment affected by the lesion, whereas proteases of the spartan (SPRTN)/weak suppressor of SMT3 protein 1 (Wss1) family target the protein component. Loss of these pathways renders cells sensitive to DPC-inducing chemotherapeutics, and DPC repair pathways are thus attractive targets for combination cancer therapy.

DNA end resection requires constitutive sumoylation of CtIP by CBX4

DNA breaks are complex DNA lesions that can be repaired by two alternative mechanisms: non-homologous end-joining and homologous recombination. The decision between them depends on the activation of the DNA resection machinery, which blocks non-homologous end-joining and stimulates recombination. On the other hand, post-translational modifications play a critical role in DNA repair. We have found that the SUMO E3 ligase CBX4 controls resection through the key factor CtIP. Indeed, CBX4 depletion impairs CtIP constitutive sumoylation and DNA end processing. Importantly, mutating lysine 896 in CtIP recapitulates the CBX4-depletion phenotype, blocks homologous recombination and increases genomic instability. Artificial fusion of CtIP and SUMO suppresses the effects of both the non-sumoylatable CtIP mutant and CBX4 depletion. Mechanistically, CtIP sumoylation is essential for its recruitment to damaged DNA. In summary, sumoylation of CtIP at lysine 896 defines a subpopulation of the protein that is involved in DNA resection and recombination.

The choice between non-homologous end-joining and homologous recombination to repair a DNA double-strand break depends on activation of the end resection machinery. Here the authors show that SUMO E3 ligase CBX4 sumoylates subpopulation of CtIP to regulate recruitment to breaks and resection.

Alterations of ubiquitin related proteins in the pathology and development of schizophrenia: Evidence from human and animal studies

Gene expression analyses in post-mortem schizophrenia brains suggest that a number of ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) genes are associated with schizophrenia; however the status of UPS proteins in the schizophrenia brain is largely unknown. Ubiquitin related proteins are inherently involved in memory, neuronal survival and morphology, which are processes implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia. We examined levels of five UPS proteins (Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT2 [PIAS2], F-Box and Leucine rich repeat protein 21 [FBXL21], Mouse Double Minute 2 homolog [MDM2], Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase-L1 [UCHL1] and Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme E2D1 [UBE2D1]) involved in these neuronal processes, within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of post-mortem schizophrenia subjects and matched controls (n = 30/group), in addition to across neurodevelopmental time-points (juvenile, adolescent and adult stages of life), utilizing a well-established neurodevelopmental phencyclidine (PCP) animal model of schizophrenia. We observed significant reductions in PIAS2, FBXL21 and MDM2 in schizophrenia subjects compared to controls (p-values ranging from 0.002 to 0.004). In our developmental PCP model, MDM2 protein was significantly reduced in adult PCP-treated rats compared to controls (p = 0.034). Additionally, FBXL21 (p = 0.022) and UCHL1 (p = 0.022) were significantly decreased, whilst UBE2D1 was increased (p = 0.022), in juvenile phencyclidine-treated rats compared to controls. This is the first study reporting alterations of UPS proteins in post-mortem human schizophrenia subjects and in a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. The findings from this study provide strong support for a role of these UPS proteins in the pathology and development of schizophrenia.

A Lysine Desert Protects a Novel Domain in the Slx5-Slx8 SUMO Targeted Ub Ligase To Maintain Sumoylation Levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Protein modification by the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) plays important roles in genome maintenance. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, proper regulation of sumoylation is known to be essential for viability in certain DNA repair mutants. Here, we find the opposite result; proper regulation of sumoylation is lethal in certain DNA repair mutants. Yeast cells lacking the repair factors TDP1 and WSS1 are synthetically lethal due to their redundant roles in removing Top1-DNA covalent complexes (Top1ccs). A screen for suppressors of tdp1∆ wss1∆ synthetic lethality isolated mutations in genes known to control global sumoylation levels including ULP1, ULP2, SIZ2, and SLX5 The results suggest that alternative pathways of repair become available when sumoylation levels are altered. Curiously, both suppressor mutations that were isolated in the Slx5 subunit of the SUMO-targeted Ub ligase created new lysine residues. These "slx5-K" mutations localize to a 398 amino acid domain that is completely free of lysine, and they result in the auto-ubiquitination and partial proteolysis of Slx5. The decrease in Slx5-K protein leads to the accumulation of high molecular weight SUMO conjugates, and the residual Ub ligase activity is needed to suppress inviability presumably by targeting polysumoylated Top1ccs. This "lysine desert" is found in the subset of large fungal Slx5 proteins, but not its smaller orthologs such as RNF4. The lysine desert solves a problem that Ub ligases encounter when evolving novel functional domains.

DNA-Protein Crosslink Proteolysis Repair

Proteins that are covalently bound to DNA constitute a specific type of DNA lesion known as DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs). DPCs represent physical obstacles to the progression of DNA replication. If not repaired, DPCs cause stalling of DNA replication forks that consequently leads to DNA double-strand breaks, the most cytotoxic DNA lesion. Although DPCs are common DNA lesions, the mechanism of DPC repair was unclear until now. Recent work unveiled that DPC repair is orchestrated by proteolysis performed by two distinct metalloproteases, SPARTAN in metazoans and Wss1 in yeast. This review summarizes recent discoveries on two proteases in DNA replication-coupled DPC repair and establishes DPC proteolysis repair as a separate DNA repair pathway for genome stability and protection from accelerated aging and cancer.

ERK3 regulates TDP2-mediated DNA damage response and chemoresistance in lung cancer cells

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, play critical regulatory roles in the assembly of DNA damage response proteins on the DNA damage site and their activities in DNA damage repair. Tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) repairs Topoisomerase 2 (Top2)-linked DNA damage, thereby protecting cancer cells against Top2 inhibitors-induced growth inhibition and cell death. The regulation of TDP2 activity by post-translational modifications in DNA repair, however, remains unclear. In the current study, we have found that ERK3, an atypical MAPK, phosphorylates TDP2 at S60 and regulates TDP2's phosphodiesterase activity, thereby cooperatively protecting lung cancer cells against Top2 inhibitors-induced DNA damage and growth inhibition. As such, our study revealed a post-translational regulation of TDP2 activity and discovered a new role of ERK3 in increasing cancer cells’ DNA damage response and chemoresistance to Top2 inhibitors.

Role of Protein Linked DNA Breaks in Cancer

Topoisomerases are a group of specialized enzymes that function to maintain DNA topology by introducing transient DNA breaks during transcription and replication. As a result of abortive topoisomerases activity, topoisomerases catalytic intermediates may be trapped on the DNA forming topoisomerase cleavage complexes (Topcc). Topoisomerases trapping on the DNA is the mode of action of several anticancer drugs, it lead to formation of protein linked DAN breaks (PDBs). PDBs are now considered as one of the most dangerous forms of endogenous DNA damage and a major threat to genomic stability. The repair of PDBs involves both the sensing and repair pathways. Unsuccessful repair of PDBs leads to different signs of genomic instabilities such as chromosomal rearrangements and cancer predisposition. In this chapter we will summarize the role of topoisomerases induced PDBs, identification and signaling, repair, role in transcription. We will also discuss the role of PDBs in cancer with a special focus on prostate cancer.

Correlation between topoisomerase I and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 activities in non-small cell lung cancer tissue

Topoisomerase I (TOP1) regulates DNA topology during replication and transcription whereas tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is involved in the repair of several types of DNA damages, including damages from defective TOP1 catalysis. TOP1 is the target of chemotherapeutic drugs of the camptothecin family (CPT). TDP1 has in cell line based assays been shown to counteract the effect of CPT. We have quantified the enzymatic activities of TOP1 and TDP1 in paired (tumor and adjacent non-tumor) samples from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and show that in NSCLC TOP1 and TDP1 activities are significantly upregulated in the tumor tissue. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the TDP1 activity and the tumor percentage (TOP1 activity did not correlate with the tumor percentage) as well as between the activities of TOP1 and TDP1 both within the tumor and the non-tumor group. That TDP1 activity was upregulated in all tumor samples and correlated with the tumor percentage suggest that it must play a highly important function in NSCLC. This could be to protect against TOP1 mediated DNA damage as the activity of TOP1 likewise was upregulated in the majority of tumor samples and correlated positively to the TDP1 activity. Regardless, the finding that the TOP1 and TDP1 activities are upregulated and correlate positively suggests that combinatorial treatment targeting both activities could be advantageous in NSCLC.

TDP1 promotes assembly of non-homologous end joining protein complexes on DNA

The repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) is central to the maintenance of genomic integrity. In tumor cells, the ability to repair DSBs predicts response to radiation and many cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs. DSB repair pathways include homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). NHEJ is a template-independent mechanism, yet many NHEJ repair products carry limited genetic changes, which suggests that NHEJ includes mechanisms to minimize error. Proteins required for mammalian NHEJ include Ku70/80, the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), XLF/Cernunnos and the XRCC4:DNA ligase IV complex. NHEJ also utilizes accessory proteins that include DNA polymerases, nucleases, and other end-processing factors. In yeast, mutations of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (TDP1) reduced NHEJ fidelity. TDP1 plays an important role in repair of topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage and 3'-blocking DNA lesions, and mutation of the human TDP1 gene results in an inherited human neuropathy termed SCAN1. We found that human TDP1 stimulated DNA binding by XLF and physically interacted with XLF to form TDP1:XLF:DNA complexes. TDP1:XLF interactions preferentially stimulated TDP1 activity on dsDNA as compared to ssDNA. TDP1 also promoted DNA binding by Ku70/80 and stimulated DNA-PK activity. Because Ku70/80 and XLF are the first factors recruited to the DSB at the onset of NHEJ, our data suggest a role for TDP1 during the early stages of mammalian NHEJ.

SUMO-mediated regulation of DNA damage repair and responses

Sumoylation has important roles during DNA damage repair and responses. Recent broad-scope and substrate-based studies have shed light on the regulation and significance of sumoylation during these processes. An emerging paradigm is that sumoylation of many DNA metabolism proteins is controlled by DNA engagement. Such 'on-site modification' can explain low substrate modification levels and has important implications in sumoylation mechanisms and effects. New studies also suggest that sumoylation can regulate a process through an ensemble effect or via major substrates. Additionally, we describe new trends in the functional effects of sumoylation, such as bi-directional changes in biomolecule binding and multilevel coordination with other modifications. These emerging themes and models will stimulate our thinking and research in sumoylation and genome maintenance.

Topoisomerase-mediated chromosomal break repair: an emerging player in many games

The mammalian genome is constantly challenged by exogenous and endogenous threats. Although much is known about the mechanisms that maintain DNA and RNA integrity, we know surprisingly little about the mechanisms that underpin the pathology and tissue specificity of many disorders caused by defective responses to DNA or RNA damage. Of the different types of endogenous damage, protein-linked DNA breaks (PDBs) are emerging as an important player in cancer development and therapy. PDBs can arise during the abortive activity of DNA topoisomerases, a class of enzymes that modulate DNA topology during several chromosomal transactions, such as gene transcription and DNA replication, recombination and repair. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms underpinning topoisomerase-induced PDB formation and repair with a focus on their role during gene transcription and the development of tissue-specific cancers.

Expression of a pathogenic mutation of SOD1 sensitizes aprataxin-deficient cells and mice to oxidative stress and triggers hallmarks of premature ageing

Aprataxin (APTX) deficiency causes progressive cerebellar degeneration, ataxia and oculomotor apraxia in man. Cell free assays and crystal structure studies demonstrate a role for APTX in resolving 5'-adenylated nucleic acid breaks, however, APTX function in vertebrates remains unclear due to the lack of an appropriate model system. Here, we generated a murine model in which a pathogenic mutant of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1(G93A)) is expressed in an Aptx-/- mouse strain. We report a delayed population doubling and accelerated senescence in Aptx-/- primary mouse fibroblasts, which is not due to detectable telomere instability or cell cycle deregulation but is associated with a reduction in transcription recovery following oxidative stress. Expression of SOD1(G93A) uncovers a survival defect ex vivo in cultured cells and in vivo in tissues lacking Aptx. The surviving neurons feature numerous and deep nuclear envelope invaginations, a hallmark of cellular stress. Furthermore, they possess an elevated number of high-density nuclear regions and a concomitant increase in histone H3 K9 trimethylation, hallmarks of silenced chromatin. Finally, the accelerated cellular senescence was also observed at the organismal level as shown by down-regulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hallmark of premature ageing. Together, this study demonstrates a protective role of Aptx in vivo and suggests that its loss results in progressive accumulation of DNA breaks in the nervous system, triggering hallmarks of premature ageing, systemically.

Clinical and cellular roles for TDP1 and TOP1 in modulating colorectal cancer response to irinotecan

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Despite surgery, up to 50% of patients relapse with incurable disease. First-line chemotherapy uses the topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) poison irinotecan, which triggers cell death by trapping TOP1 on DNA. The removal of TOP1 peptide from TOP1-DNA breaks is conducted by tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1). Despite putative roles for TDP1 and TOP1 in colorectal cancer, their role in cellular and clinical responses to TOP1-targeting therapies remains unclear. Here, we show varying expression levels of TOP1 and TDP1 polypeptides in multiple colorectal cancer cell lines and in clinical colorectal cancer samples. TDP1 overexpression or TOP1 depletion is protective. Conversely, TDP1 depletion increases DNA-strand breakage and hypersensitivity to irinotecan in a TOP1-dependent manner, presenting a potential therapeutic opportunity in colorectal cancer. TDP1 protein levels correlate well with mRNA and with TDP1 catalytic activity. However, no correlation is observed between inherent TDP1 or TOP1 levels alone and irinotecan sensitivity, pointing at their limited utility as predictive biomarkers in colorectal cancer. These findings establish TDP1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer and question the validity of TOP1 or TDP1 on their own as predictive biomarkers for irinotecan response.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I resolves both naturally and chemically induced DNA adducts and its potential as a therapeutic target

DNA is subject to a wide range of insults, resulting from endogenous and exogenous sources that need to be metabolized/resolved to maintain genome integrity. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) is a eukaryotic DNA repair enzyme that catalyzes the removal of covalent 3'-DNA adducts. As a phospholipase D superfamily member Tdp1 utilizes two catalytic histidines each within a His-Lys-Asn motif. Tdp1 was discovered for its ability to hydrolyze the 3'-phospho-tyrosyl that in the cell covalently links DNA Topoisomerase I (Topo1) and DNA. Tdp1's list of substrates has since grown and can be divided into two groups: protein-DNA adducts, such as camptothecin stabilized Topo1-DNA adducts, and modified nucleotides, including oxidized nucleotides and chain terminating nucleoside analogs. Since many of Tdp1's substrates are generated by clinically relevant chemotherapeutics, Tdp1 became a therapeutic target for molecularly targeted small molecules. Tdp1's unique catalytic cycle allows for two different targeting strategies: (1) the intuitive inhibition of Tdp1 catalysis to prevent Tdp1-mediated repair of chemotherapeutically induced DNA adducts, thereby enhancing their toxicity and (2) stabilization of the Tdp1-DNA covalent reaction intermediate, prevents resolution of Tdp1-DNA adduct and increases the half-life of this potentially toxic DNA adduct. This concept is best illustrated by a catalytic Tdp1 mutant that forms the molecular basis of the autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy, and results in an increased stability of its Tdp1-DNA reaction intermediate. Here, we will discuss Tdp1 catalysis from a structure-function perspective, Tdp1 substrates and Tdp1 potential as a therapeutic target.

TDP1/TOP1 Ratio as a Promising Indicator for the Response of Small Cell Lung Cancer to Topotecan

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most challenging tumors to treat due to high proliferation rate, early metastatic dissemination and rapid development of chemotherapy resistance. The current treatment protocols involve the use of topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) poisons such as irinotecan and topotecan in combination with platinum-based compounds. TOP1 poisons kill cancer cells by trapping TOP1 on DNA, generating lethal DNA double-strand breaks. A potential mechanism employed by cancer cells to resist killing by TOP1 poisons is to overexpress enzymes involved in the repair of TOP1-DNA breaks. Tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a key player in this process and despite its importance, no data is currently available to correlate TDP1 protein and mRNA levels with catalytic activity in SCLC. In addition, it is not known if TDP1 and TOP1 protein levels correlate with the cellular response of SCLC to TOP1 based therapies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report a remarkable variation in TDP1 and TOP1 protein levels in a panel of SCLC cell lines. TDP1 protein level correlates well with TDP1 mRNA and TDP1 catalytic activity, as measured by two newly developed independent activity assays, suggesting the potential utility of immunohistochemistry in assessing TDP1 levels in SCLC tissues. We further demonstrate that whilst TDP1 protein level alone does not correlate with topotecan sensitivity, TDP1/TOP1 ratio correlates well with sensitivity in 8 out of 10 cell lines examined.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first cellular analyses of TDP1 and TOP1 in SCLC and suggests the potential utility of TDP1/TOP1 ratio to assess the response of SCLC to topotecan. The establishment and validation of an easy-to-use TDP1 enzymatic assay in cell extracts could be exploited as a diagnostic tool in the clinic. These findings may help in stratifying patients that are likely to benefit from TOP1 poisons and TDP1 inhibitors currently under development.

Biochemical assays for the discovery of TDP1 inhibitors

Drug screening against novel targets is warranted to generate biochemical probes and new therapeutic drug leads. TDP1 and TDP2 are two DNA repair enzymes that have yet to be successfully targeted. TDP1 repairs topoisomerase I-, alkylation-, and chain terminator-induced DNA damage, whereas TDP2 repairs topoisomerase II-induced DNA damage. Here, we report the quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) of the NIH Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository using recombinant human TDP1. We also developed a secondary screening method using a multiple loading gel-based assay where recombinant TDP1 is replaced by whole cell extract (WCE) from genetically engineered DT40 cells. While developing this assay, we determined the importance of buffer conditions for testing TDP1, and most notably the possible interference of phosphate-based buffers. The high specificity of endogenous TDP1 in WCE allowed the evaluation of a large number of hits with up to 600 samples analyzed per gel via multiple loadings. The increased stringency of the WCE assay eliminated a large fraction of the initial hits collected from the qHTS. Finally, inclusion of a TDP2 counter-screening assay allowed the identification of two novel series of selective TDP1 inhibitors.