Early embryonic lethality due to targeted inactivation of DNA ligase III

FUS unveiled in mitochondrial DNA repair and targeted ligase-1 expression rescues repair-defects in FUS-linked motor neuron disease

This study establishes the physiological role of Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair and highlights its implications to the pathogenesis of FUS-associated neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Endogenous FUS interacts with and recruits mtDNA Ligase IIIα (mtLig3) to DNA damage sites within mitochondria, a relationship essential for maintaining mtDNA repair and integrity in healthy cells. Using ALS patient-derived FUS mutant cell lines, a transgenic mouse model, and human autopsy samples, we discovered that compromised FUS functionality hinders mtLig3's repair role, resulting in increased mtDNA damage and mutations. These alterations cause various manifestations of mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly under stress conditions relevant to disease pathology. Importantly, rectifying FUS mutations in patient-derived induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) preserves mtDNA integrity. Similarly, targeted introduction of human DNA Ligase 1 restores repair mechanisms and mitochondrial activity in FUS mutant cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach. Our findings unveil FUS's critical role in mitochondrial health and mtDNA repair, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in FUS-associated motor neuron disease.

Deficiency of ligase IV leads to reduced NHEJ, accumulation of DNA damage, and can sensitize cells to cancer therapeutics

Ligase IV is a key enzyme involved during DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair through nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). However, in contrast to Ligase IV deficient mouse cells, which are embryonic lethal, Ligase IV deficient human cells, including pre-B cells, are viable. Using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing, we have generated six different LIG4 mutants in cervical cancer and normal kidney epithelial cell lines. While the LIG4 mutant cells showed a significant reduction in NHEJ, joining mediated through microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) were significantly high. The reduced NHEJ joining activity was restored by adding purified Ligase IV/XRCC4. Accumulation of DSBs and reduced cell viability were observed in LIG4 mutant cells. LIG4 mutant cells exhibited enhanced sensitivity towards DSB-inducing agents such as ionizing radiation (IR) and etoposide. More importantly, the LIG4 mutant of cervical cancer cells showed increased sensitivity towards FDA approved drugs such as Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin, and Bleomycin used for cervical cancer treatment. These drugs, in combination with IR showed enhanced cancer cell death in the background of LIG4 gene mutation. Thus, our study reveals that mutation in LIG4 results in compromised NHEJ, leading to sensitization of cervical cancer cells towards currently used cancer therapeutics.

α1-Adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine inhibits base excision repair via inhibition of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1)

Methoxamine (Mox) is a well-known α1-adrenoceptor agonist, clinically used as a longer-acting analogue of epinephrine. 1R,2S-Mox (NRL001) has been also undergoing clinical testing to increase the canal resting pressure in patients with bowel incontinence. Here we show, that Mox hydrochloride acts as an inhibitor of base excision repair (BER). The effect is mediated by the inhibition of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease APE1. We link this observation to our previous report showing the biologically relevant effect of Mox on BER - prevention of converting oxidative DNA base damage to double-stranded breaks. We demonstrate that its effect is weaker, but still significant when compared to a known BER inhibitor methoxyamine (MX). We further determined Mox's relative IC ₅₀ at 19 mmol L^-1, demonstrating a significant effect of Mox on APE1 activity in clinically relevant concentrations.

Mitochondrial DNA damage as driver of cellular outcomes

Mitochondria are primarily involved in energy production through the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Increasing evidence has shown that mitochondrial function impacts a plethora of different cellular activities, including metabolism, epigenetics, and innate immunity. Like the nucleus, mitochondria own their genetic material, but this organellar genome is circular, present in multiple copies, and maternally inherited. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes 37 genes that are solely involved in OXPHOS. Maintenance of mtDNA, through replication and repair, requires the import of nuclear DNA-encoded proteins. Thus, mitochondria completely rely on the nucleus to prevent mitochondrial genetic alterations. As most cells contain hundreds to thousands of mitochondria, it follows that the shear number of organelles allows for the buffering of dysfunction-at least to some extent-before tissue homeostasis becomes impaired. Only red blood cells lack mitochondria entirely. Impaired mitochondrial function is a hallmark of aging and is involved in a number of different disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmunity. Although alterations in mitochondrial processes unrelated to OXPHOS, such as fusion and fission, contribute to aging and disease, maintenance of mtDNA integrity is critical for proper organellar function. Here, we focus on how mtDNA damage contributes to cellular dysfunction and health outcomes.

Mining massive genomic data of two Swiss Braunvieh cattle populations reveals six novel candidate variants that impair reproductive success

Background

This study was carried out on the two Braunvieh populations reared in Switzerland, the dairy Brown Swiss (BS) and the dual-purpose Original Braunvieh (OB). We performed a genome-wide analysis of array data of trios (sire, dam, and offspring) from the routine genomic selection to identify candidate regions showing missing homozygosity and phenotypic associations with five fertility, ten birth, and nine growth-related traits. In addition, genome-wide single SNP regression studies based on 114,890 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for each of the two populations were performed. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing data of 430 cattle including 70 putative haplotype carriers were mined to identify potential candidate variants that were validated by genotyping the current population using a custom array.

Results

Using a trio-based approach, we identified 38 haplotype regions for BS and five for OB that segregated at low to moderate frequencies. For the BS population, we confirmed two known haplotypes, BH1 and BH2. Twenty-four variants that potentially explained the missing homozygosity and associated traits were detected, in addition to the previously reported TUBD1:p.His210Arg variant associated with BH2. For example, for BS we identified a stop-gain variant (p.Arg57*) in the MRPL55 gene in the haplotype region on chromosome 7. This region is associated with the ‘interval between first and last insemination’ trait in our data, and the MRPL55 gene is known to be associated with early pregnancy loss in mice. In addition, we discuss candidate missense variants in the CPT1C, MARS2, and ACSL5 genes for haplotypes mapped in BS. In OB, we highlight a haplotype region on chromosome 19, which is potentially caused by a frameshift variant (p.Lys828fs) in the LIG3 gene, which is reported to be associated with early embryonic lethality in mice. Furthermore, we propose another potential causal missense variant in the TUBGCP5 gene for a haplotype mapped in OB.

Conclusions

We describe, for the first time, several haplotype regions that segregate at low to moderate frequencies and provide evidence of causality by trait associations in the two populations of Swiss Braunvieh. We propose a list of six protein-changing variants as potentially causing missing homozygosity. These variants need to be functionally validated and incorporated in the breeding program.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12711-021-00686-3.

Loss of nuclear DNA ligase III reverts PARP inhibitor resistance in BRCA1/53BP1 double-deficient cells by exposing ssDNA gaps

Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase (PARPi) have entered the clinic for the treatment of homologous recombination (HR)-deficient cancers. Despite the success of this approach, preclinical and clinical research with PARPi has revealed multiple resistance mechanisms, highlighting the need for identification of novel functional biomarkers and combination treatment strategies. Functional genetic screens performed in cells and organoids that acquired resistance to PARPi by loss of 53BP1 identified loss of LIG3 as an enhancer of PARPi toxicity in BRCA1-deficient cells. Enhancement of PARPi toxicity by LIG3 depletion is dependent on BRCA1 deficiency but independent of the loss of 53BP1 pathway. Mechanistically, we show that LIG3 loss promotes formation of MRE11-mediated post-replicative ssDNA gaps in BRCA1-deficient and BRCA1/53BP1 double-deficient cells exposed to PARPi, leading to an accumulation of chromosomal abnormalities. LIG3 depletion also enhances efficacy of PARPi against BRCA1-deficient mammary tumors in mice, suggesting LIG3 as a potential therapeutic target.

Towards a comprehensive view of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine: Highlighting the intertwined roles of DNA damage and epigenetics in genomic instability

8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), a major product of DNA oxidation, is a pre-mutagenic lesion which is prone to mispair, if left unrepaired, with 2'-deoxyadenosine during DNA replication. While unrepaired or incompletely repaired 8-oxodG has classically been associated with genome instability and cancer, it has recently been reported to have a role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Despite the growing collection of genome-wide 8-oxodG mapping studies that have been used to provide new insight on the functional nature of 8-oxodG within the genome, a comprehensive view that brings together the epigenetic and the mutagenic nature of the 8-oxodG is still lacking. To help address this gap, this review aims to provide (i) a description of the state-of-the-art knowledge on both the mutagenic and epigenetic roles of 8-oxodG; (ii) putative molecular models through which the 8-oxodG can cause genome instability; (iii) a possible molecular model on how 8-oxodG, acting as an epigenetic signal, could cause the translocations and deletions which are associated with cancer.

A Survey of Essential Genome Stability Genes Reveals That Replication Stress Mitigation Is Critical for Peri-Implantation Embryogenesis

Murine development demands that pluripotent epiblast stem cells in the peri-implantation embryo increase from approximately 120 to 14,000 cells between embryonic days (E) 4.5 and E7.5. This is possible because epiblast stem cells can complete cell cycles in under 3 h in vivo. To ensure conceptus fitness, epiblast cells must undertake this proliferative feat while maintaining genome integrity. How epiblast cells maintain genome health under such an immense proliferation demand remains unclear. To illuminate the contribution of genome stability pathways to early mammalian development we systematically reviewed knockout mouse data from 347 DDR and repair associated genes. Cumulatively, the data indicate that while many DNA repair functions are dispensable in embryogenesis, genes encoding replication stress response and homology directed repair factors are essential specifically during the peri-implantation stage of early development. We discuss the significance of these findings in the context of the unique proliferative demands placed on pluripotent epiblast stem cells.

Base Excision Repair in the Immune System: Small DNA Lesions With Big Consequences

The integrity of the genome is under constant threat of environmental and endogenous agents that cause DNA damage. Endogenous damage is particularly pervasive, occurring at an estimated rate of 10,000–30,000 per cell/per day, and mostly involves chemical DNA base lesions caused by oxidation, depurination, alkylation, and deamination. The base excision repair (BER) pathway is primary responsible for removing and repairing these small base lesions that would otherwise lead to mutations or DNA breaks during replication. Next to preventing DNA mutations and damage, the BER pathway is also involved in mutagenic processes in B cells during immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), which are instigated by uracil (U) lesions derived from activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) activity. BER is required for the processing of AID-induced lesions into DNA double strand breaks (DSB) that are required for CSR, and is of pivotal importance for determining the mutagenic outcome of uracil lesions during SHM. Although uracils are generally efficiently repaired by error-free BER, this process is surprisingly error-prone at the Ig loci in proliferating B cells. Breakdown of this high-fidelity process outside of the Ig loci has been linked to mutations observed in B-cell tumors and DNA breaks and chromosomal translocations in activated B cells. Next to its role in preventing cancer, BER has also been implicated in immune tolerance. Several defects in BER components have been associated with autoimmune diseases, and animal models have shown that BER defects can cause autoimmunity in a B-cell intrinsic and extrinsic fashion. In this review we discuss the contribution of BER to genomic integrity in the context of immune receptor diversification, cancer and autoimmune diseases.

DNA glycosylase Neil2 contributes to genomic responses in the spleen during clinical prion disease

The DNA glycosylase Neil2 is a member of the base excision repair (BER) family of enzymes, which are important for repair of oxidative DNA damage. Specifically, Neil2 participates in repair of oxidized bases in single-stranded DNA of transcriptionally active genes. Mice with genetic ablation of Neil2 (Neil2^-/-) display no overt phenotypes, but an age-dependent accumulation of oxidative DNA damage and increased inflammatory responsiveness. In young mice intra-cerebrally inoculated with prions, vigorous prion propagation starts rapidly in the germinal follicles of the spleen due to inoculum spillover. Here, we compare experimental prion disease in Neil2^-/- mice with that in wild-type mice at disease onset and end-stage. Specifically, we investigated disease progression, accumulation of DNA damage, and mitochondrial respiratory complex activity in brain and spleen. We used genome-wide RNA sequencing of the spleen to compare the immune responses to prion propagation between the two groups of mice, at both onset and end-stage prion disease. The Neil2^-/- mice deteriorated more rapidly than wild-type mice after onset of clinical signs. Levels of DNA damage in brain increased in both mouse groups, slightly more in the Neil2^-/- mice. Transcriptome data from spleen at disease onset were similar between the mouse groups with moderate genomic responses. However, at end-stage a substantial response was evident in the wild-type mice but not in Neil2^-/- mice. Our data show that Neil2 counteracts toxic signaling in clinical prion disease, and this is separate from gross pathological manifestations and PrP^Sc accumulation.

Base Excision DNA Repair Deficient Cells: From Disease Models to Genotoxicity Sensors

Base excision DNA repair (BER) is a vitally important pathway that protects the cell genome from many kinds of DNA damage, including oxidation, deamination, and hydrolysis. It involves several tightly coordinated steps, starting from damaged base excision and followed by nicking one DNA strand, incorporating an undamaged nucleotide, and DNA ligation. Deficiencies in BER are often embryonic lethal or cause morbid diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, or severe immune pathologies. Starting from the early 1980s, when the first mammalian cell lines lacking BER were produced by spontaneous mutagenesis, such lines have become a treasure trove of valuable information about the mechanisms of BER, often revealing unexpected connections with other cellular processes, such as antibody maturation or epigenetic demethylation. In addition, these cell lines have found an increasing use in genotoxicity testing, where they provide increased sensitivity and representativity to cell-based assay panels. In this review, we outline current knowledge about BER-deficient cell lines and their use.

DNA Replication in Human Mitochondria

DNA replication in human mitochondria has been studied for several decades; however, its mechanism still remains unclear. During the last 15 years, many new experimental data on the mitochondrial replication have appeared, although extremely contradictory. Two asynchronous (strand displacement and RITOLS) and one synchronous (strand-coupled) replication models have been proposed. In the asynchronous models, replication from the origin in the H-chain starts earlier, so that the replication of the two chains ends at different times. The synchronous model is more traditional and implies two replication forks with leading and lagging strands initiated at the same origin. For each of the three models, both confirming and contradicting experimental data exist. Most likely, there is no single model of mitochondrial replication. It is possible that the unique mitochondrial replication machinery that has originated as a results of endosymbiosis has an unexpected variety of replication strategies to maintain the mitochondrial genome. An unusual combination of enzymes of different origin (phage, bacterial, eukaryotic) and unique features of the mitochondrial genome (existance of heavy and light chains, insertions of ribonucleotides, a variety of origins) can allow replication through different mechanisms. In human mitochondria, asynchronous replication seems to dominate; however, synchronous replication is also possible under certain conditions. In the human heart mitochondria, circular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules can rearrange in a network of rapidly replicating linear genomes, thereby suggesting possible existence of a wide range of replication mechanisms in the mitochondria. The review describes the main stages of mtDNA replication and enzymes involved in this process, as well as discusses the prospects of mitochondrial replication studies.

DNA Oxidation and Excision Repair Pathways

The physiological impact of the aberrant oxidation products on genomic DNA were demonstrated by embryonic lethality or the cancer susceptibility and/or neurological symptoms of animal impaired in the base excision repair (BER); the major pathway to maintain genomic integrity against non-bulky DNA oxidation. However, growing evidence suggests that other DNA repair pathways or factors that are not primarily associated with the classical BER pathway are also actively involved in the mitigation of oxidative assaults on the genomic DNA, according to the corresponding types of DNA oxidation. Among others, factors dedicated to lesion recognition in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway have been shown to play eminent roles in the process of lesion recognition and stimulation of the enzyme activity of some sets of BER factors. Besides, substantial bulky DNA oxidation can be preferentially removed by a canonical NER mechanism; therefore, loss of function in the NER pathway shares common features arising from BER defects, including cancer predisposition and neurological disorders, although NER defects generally are nonlethal. Here we discuss recent achievements for delineating newly arising roles of NER lesion recognition factors to facilitate the BER process, and cooperative works of BER and NER pathways in response to the genotoxic oxidative stress.

NEIL1 and NEIL2 DNA glycosylases protect neural crest development against mitochondrial oxidative stress

Base excision repair (BER) functions not only in the maintenance of genomic integrity but also in active DNA demethylation and epigenetic gene regulation. This dual role raises the question if phenotypic abnormalities resulting from deficiency of BER factors are due to DNA damage or impaired DNA demethylation. Here we investigate the bifunctional DNA glycosylases/lyases NEIL1 and NEIL2, which act in repair of oxidative lesions and in epigenetic demethylation. Neil-deficiency in Xenopus embryos and differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) leads to a surprisingly restricted defect in cranial neural crest cell (cNCC) development. Neil-deficiency elicits an oxidative stress-induced TP53-dependent DNA damage response, which impairs early cNCC specification. Epistasis experiments with Tdg-deficient mESCs show no involvement of epigenetic DNA demethylation. Instead, Neil-deficiency results in oxidative damage specific to mitochondrial DNA, which triggers a TP53-mediated intrinsic apoptosis. Thus, NEIL1 and NEIL2 DNA glycosylases protect mitochondrial DNA against oxidative damage during neural crest differentiation.

The face of animals with a backbone is formed in great part by a group of cells called cranial neural crest cells. When too few of these cells are made, the skull and the face can become deformed. For example, the jaw- or cheekbones can be underdeveloped or there may be defects in the eyes or ears. These types of abnormalities are among the most common birth defects known in humans.

NEIL1 and NEIL2 are mouse proteins with two roles. On the one hand, they help protect DNA from damage by acting as so-called ‘base excision repair enzymes’, meaning they remove damaged building blocks of DNA. On the other hand, they help remove a chemical group known as a methyl from DNA building blocks in a process called demethylation, which is involved both in development and disease. Previous research by Schomacher et al. in 2016 showed that, in frogs, the absence of a similar protein called Neil2, leads to deformities of the face and skull.

Han et al. – who include some of the researchers involved in the 2016 study – have now used frog embryos and mouse embryonic stem cells to examine the role of the NEIL proteins in cranial neural crest cells. Stem cells can become any type of cell in the body, but when NEIL1 and NEIL2 are missing, these cells lose the ability to become cranial neural crest cells.

To determine whether the effects of removing NEIL1 and NEIL2 were due to their role in DNA damage repair or demethylation, Han et al. removed two proteins, each involved in one of the two processes. Removing APEX1, which is involved in DNA damage repair, had similar effects to the removal of NEIL1 and NEIL2, while removing TDG, which only works in demethylation, did not. This indicates that NEIL1 and NEIL2’s role in DNA damage repair is likely necessary for stem cells to become cranial neural crest cells.

Although NEIL1 and NEIL2 are part of the DNA repair machinery, Han et al. showed that when stem cells turn into cranial neural crest cells, these proteins are not protecting the cell’s genomic DNA. Instead, they are active in the mitochondria, the compartments of the cell responsible for producing energy, which have their own DNA. Mitochondria use oxygen to produce energy, but by-products of these reactions damage mitochondrial DNA, explaining why mitochondria need NEIL1 and NEIL2. These results suggest that antioxidants, which are molecules that protect the cells from the damaging oxygen derivatives, may help prevent deformities in the face and skull. This theory could be tested using mice that do not produce proteins involved in base excision repair, which could be derived from the cells lacking NEIL1 and NEIL2.

Enzymology of mitochondrial DNA repair

The mitochondrial genome encodes proteins essential for the oxidative phosphorylation and, consequently, for proper mitochondrial function. Its localization and, possibly, structural organization contribute to higher DNA damage accumulation, when compared to the nuclear genome. In addition, the mitochondrial genome mutates at rates several times higher than the nuclear, although the causal relationship between these events are not clearly established. Maintaining mitochondrial DNA stability is critical for cellular function and organismal fitness, and several pathways contribute to that, including damage tolerance and bypass, degradation of damaged genomes and DNA repair. Despite initial evidence suggesting that mitochondria lack DNA repair activities, most DNA repair pathways have been at least partially characterized in mitochondria from several model organisms, including humans. In this chapter, we review what is currently known about how the main DNA repair pathways operate in mitochondria and contribute to mitochondrial DNA stability, with focus on the enzymology of mitochondrial DNA repair.

Mitochondrial DNA replication in mammalian cells: overview of the pathway

Mammalian mitochondria contain multiple copies of a circular, double-stranded DNA genome and a dedicated DNA replication machinery is required for its maintenance. Many disease-causing mutations affect mitochondrial replication factors and a detailed understanding of the replication process may help to explain the pathogenic mechanisms underlying a number of mitochondrial diseases. We here give a brief overview of DNA replication in mammalian mitochondria, describing our current understanding of this process and some unanswered questions remaining.

Structures of DNA-bound human ligase IV catalytic core reveal insights into substrate binding and catalysis

DNA ligase IV (LigIV) performs the final DNA nick-sealing step of classical nonhomologous end-joining, which is critical for immunoglobulin gene maturation and efficient repair of genotoxic DNA double-strand breaks. Hypomorphic LigIV mutations cause extreme radiation sensitivity and immunodeficiency in humans. To better understand the unique features of LigIV function, here we report the crystal structure of the catalytic core of human LigIV in complex with a nicked nucleic acid substrate in two distinct states—an open lysyl-AMP intermediate, and a closed DNA–adenylate form. Results from structural and mutagenesis experiments unveil a dynamic LigIV DNA encirclement mechanism characterized by extensive interdomain interactions and active site phosphoanhydride coordination, all of which are required for efficient DNA nick sealing. These studies provide a scaffold for defining impacts of LigIV catalytic core mutations and deficiencies in human LIG4 syndrome.

DNA Ligase IV (LigIV) catalyzes nick sealing of DNA double-strand break substrates during non-homologous end-joining. Here the authors present the crystal structures of two human LigIV DNA-bound catalytic states, which provide insights into its catalytic mechanism and the molecular basis of LIG4 syndrome causing disease mutations.

Not breathing is not an option: How to deal with oxidative DNA damage

Oxidative DNA damage constitutes a major threat to genetic integrity, and has thus been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration. 7,8-dihydro-8oxo-deoxyGuanine (8-oxo-G) is one of the best characterised oxidative DNA lesions, and it can give rise to point mutations due to its miscoding potential that instructs most DNA polymerases (Pols) to preferentially insert Adenine (A) opposite 8-oxo-G instead of the correct Cytosine (C). If uncorrected, A:8-oxo-G mispairs can give rise to C:G→A:T transversion mutations. Cells have evolved a variety of pathways to mitigate the mutational potential of 8-oxo-G that include i) mechanisms to avoid incorporation of oxidized nucleotides into DNA through nucleotide pool sanitisation enzymes (by MTH1, MTH2, MTH3 and NUDT5), ii) base excision repair (BER) of 8-oxo-G in DNA (involving MUTYH, OGG1, Pol λ, and other components of the BER machinery), and iii) faithful bypass of 8-oxo-G lesions during replication (using a switch between replicative Pols and Pol λ). In the following, the fate of 8-oxo-G in mammalian cells is reviewed in detail. The differential origins of 8-oxo-G in DNA and its consequences for genetic stability will be covered. This will be followed by a thorough discussion of the different mechanisms in place to cope with 8-oxo-G with an emphasis on Pol λ-mediated correct bypass of 8-oxo-G during MUTYH-initiated BER as well as replication across 8-oxo-G. Furthermore, the multitude of mechanisms in place to regulate key proteins involved in 8-oxo-G repair will be reviewed. Novel functions of 8-oxo-G as an epigenetic-like regulator and insights into the repair of 8-oxo-G within the cellular context will be touched upon. Finally, a discussion will outline the relevance of 8-oxo-G and the proteins involved in dealing with 8-oxo-G to human diseases with a special emphasis on cancer.

Kinetic analyses of single-stranded break repair by human DNA ligase III isoforms reveal biochemical differences from DNA ligase I

Humans have three genes encoding DNA ligases with conserved structural features and activities, but they also have notable differences. The LIG3 gene encodes a ubiquitous isoform in all tissues (LIG3α) and a germ line-specific splicing isoform (LIG3β) that differs in the C-terminal domain. Both isoforms are found in the nucleus and the mitochondria. Here, we determined the kinetics and thermodynamics of single-stranded break ligation by LIG3α and LIG3β and compared this framework to that of LIG1, the nuclear replicative ligase. The kinetic parameters of the LIG3 isoforms are nearly identical under all tested conditions, indicating that the BRCA1 C terminal (BRCT) domain specific to LIG3α does not alter ligation kinetics. Although LIG3 is only 22% identical to LIG1 across their conserved domains, the two enzymes had very similar maximal ligation rates. Comparison of the rate and equilibrium constants for LIG3 and LIG1 nevertheless revealed important differences. The LIG3 isoforms were seven times more efficient than LIG1 at ligating nicked DNA under optimal conditions, mainly because of their lower K_m value for the DNA substrate. This could explain why LIG3 is less prone to abortive ligation than LIG1. Surprisingly, the affinity of LIG3 for Mg²⁺ was ten times weaker than that of LIG1, suggesting that Mg²⁺ availability regulates DNA ligation in vivo, because Mg²⁺ levels are higher in the mitochondria than in the nucleus. The biochemical differences between the LIG3 isoforms and LIG1 identified here will guide the understanding of both unique and overlapping biological roles of these critical enzymes.

Impact of sperm DNA damage and oocyte-repairing capacity on trout development

Zygotic repair of paternal DNA is essential during embryo development. In spite of the interest devoted to sperm DNA damage, its combined effect with defect-repairing oocytes has not been analyzed. Modification of the breeding season is a common practice in aquaculture. This practice reduces developmental success and could affect the both factors: sperm DNA integrity and oocyte repair capacity. To evaluate the maternal role, we analyzed the progeny outcome after fertilizing in-season trout oocytes with untreated and with UV-irradiated sperm. We also analyzed the offspring obtained out of season with untreated sperm. The analysis of the number of lesions in 4 sperm nuclear genes revealed an increase of 1.22–11.18 lesions/10 kb in out-of-season sperm, similar to that obtained after sperm UV irradiation (400 µW/cm25 min). Gene expression showed in out-of-season oocytes the overexpression of repair genes (ogg1, ung, lig3, rad1) and downregulation of tp53, indicating an enhanced repairing activity and reduced capacity to arrest development upon damage. The analysis of the progeny in out-of-season embryos revealed a similar profile tolerant to DNA damage, leading to a much lower apoptotic activity at organogenesis, lower hatching rates and increased rate of malformations. The effects were milder in descendants from in-season-irradiated sperm, showing an enhanced repairing activity at epibolia. Results point out the importance of the repairing machinery provided by the oocyte and show how susceptible it is to environmental changes. Transcripts related to DNA damage signalization and repair could be used as markers of oocyte quality.

Maintenance and Expression of Mammalian Mitochondrial DNA

Mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes 13 proteins that are essential for the function of the oxidative phosphorylation system, which is composed of four respiratory-chain complexes and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase. Remarkably, the maintenance and expression of mtDNA depend on the mitochondrial import of hundreds of nuclear-encoded proteins that control genome maintenance, replication, transcription, RNA maturation, and mitochondrial translation. The importance of this complex regulatory system is underscored by the identification of numerous mutations of nuclear genes that impair mtDNA maintenance and expression at different levels, causing human mitochondrial diseases with pleiotropic clinical manifestations. The basic scientific understanding of the mechanisms controlling mtDNA function has progressed considerably during the past few years, thanks to advances in biochemistry, genetics, and structural biology. The challenges for the future will be to understand how mtDNA maintenance and expression are regulated and to what extent direct intramitochondrial cross talk between different processes, such as transcription and translation, is important.

Primer removal during mammalian mitochondrial DNA replication

The small circular mitochondrial genome in mammalian cells is replicated by a dedicated replisome, defects in which can cause mitochondrial disease in humans. A fundamental step in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and maintenance is the removal of the RNA primers needed for replication initiation. The nucleases RNase H1, FEN1, DNA2, and MGME1 have been implicated in this process. Here we review the role of these nucleases in the light of primer removal pathways in mitochondria, highlight associations with disease, as well as consider the implications for mtDNA replication initiation.

Neil2-null Mice Accumulate Oxidized DNA Bases in the Transcriptionally Active Sequences of the Genome and Are Susceptible to Innate Inflammation

Why mammalian cells possess multiple DNA glycosylases (DGs) with overlapping substrate ranges for repairing oxidatively damaged bases via the base excision repair (BER) pathway is a long-standing question. To determine the biological role of these DGs, null animal models have been generated. Here, we report the generation and characterization of mice lacking Neil2 (Nei-like 2). As in mice deficient in each of the other four oxidized base-specific DGs (OGG1, NTH1, NEIL1, and NEIL3), Neil2-null mice show no overt phenotype. However, middle-aged to old Neil2-null mice show the accumulation of oxidative genomic damage, mostly in the transcribed regions. Immuno-pulldown analysis from wild-type (WT) mouse tissue showed the association of NEIL2 with RNA polymerase II, along with Cockayne syndrome group B protein, TFIIH, and other BER proteins. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis from mouse tissue showed co-occupancy of NEIL2 and RNA polymerase II only on the transcribed genes, consistent with our earlier in vitro findings on NEIL2's role in transcription-coupled BER. This study provides the first in vivo evidence of genomic region-specific repair in mammals. Furthermore, telomere loss and genomic instability were observed at a higher frequency in embryonic fibroblasts from Neil2-null mice than from the WT. Moreover, Neil2-null mice are much more responsive to inflammatory agents than WT mice. Taken together, our results underscore the importance of NEIL2 in protecting mammals from the development of various pathologies that are linked to genomic instability and/or inflammation. NEIL2 is thus likely to play an important role in long term genomic maintenance, particularly in long-lived mammals such as humans.

Alternative Okazaki Fragment Ligation Pathway by DNA Ligase III

Higher eukaryotes have three types of DNA ligases: DNA ligase 1 (Lig1), DNA ligase 3 (Lig3) and DNA ligase 4 (Lig4). While Lig1 and Lig4 are present in all eukaryotes from yeast to human, Lig3 appears sporadically in evolution and is uniformly present only in vertebrates. In the classical, textbook view, Lig1 catalyzes Okazaki-fragment ligation at the DNA replication fork and the ligation steps of long-patch base-excision repair (BER), homologous recombination repair (HRR) and nucleotide excision repair (NER). Lig4 is responsible for DNA ligation at DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) by the classical, DNA-PKcs-dependent pathway of non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ). Lig3 is implicated in a short-patch base excision repair (BER) pathway, in single strand break repair in the nucleus, and in all ligation requirements of the DNA metabolism in mitochondria. In this scenario, Lig1 and Lig4 feature as the major DNA ligases serving the most essential ligation needs of the cell, while Lig3 serves in the cell nucleus only minor repair roles. Notably, recent systematic studies in the chicken B cell line, DT40, involving constitutive and conditional knockouts of all three DNA ligases individually, as well as of combinations thereof, demonstrate that the current view must be revised. Results demonstrate that Lig1 deficient cells proliferate efficiently. Even Lig1/Lig4 double knockout cells show long-term viability and proliferate actively, demonstrating that, at least in DT40, Lig3 can perform all ligation reactions of the cellular DNA metabolism as sole DNA ligase. Indeed, in the absence of Lig1, Lig3 can efficiently support semi-conservative DNA replication via an alternative Okazaki-fragment ligation pathway. In addition, Lig3 can back up NHEJ in the absence of Lig4, and can support NER and HRR in the absence of Lig1. Supporting observations are available in less elaborate genetic models in mouse cells. Collectively, these observations raise Lig3 from a niche-ligase to a universal DNA ligase, which can potentially substitute or backup the repair and replication functions of all other DNA ligases in the cell nucleus. Thus, the old model of functionally dedicated DNA ligases is now replaced by one in which only Lig4 remains dedicated to C-NHEJ, with Lig1 and Lig3 showing an astounding functional flexibility and interchangeability for practically all nuclear ligation functions. The underlying mechanisms of Lig3 versus Lig1 utilization in DNA repair and replication are expected to be partly different and remain to be elucidated.

The exonuclease activity of DNA polymerase γ is required for ligation during mitochondrial DNA replication

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase γ (POLγ) harbours a 3′–5′ exonuclease proofreading activity. Here we demonstrate that this activity is required for the creation of ligatable ends during mtDNA replication. Exonuclease-deficient POLγ fails to pause on reaching a downstream 5′-end. Instead, the enzyme continues to polymerize into double-stranded DNA, creating an unligatable 5′-flap. Disease-associated mutations can both increase and decrease exonuclease activity and consequently impair DNA ligation. In mice, inactivation of the exonuclease activity causes an increase in mtDNA mutations and premature ageing phenotypes. These mutator mice also contain high levels of truncated, linear fragments of mtDNA. We demonstrate that the formation of these fragments is due to impaired ligation, causing nicks near the origin of heavy-strand DNA replication. In the subsequent round of replication, the nicks lead to double-strand breaks and linear fragment formation.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase γ has a 3′–5′ exonuclease proofreading activity. Here, the authors show it is required for creating ligatable ends during mtDNA replication, and inactivation of the activity in mice causes strand-specific nicks in DNA and the formation of linear mtDNA fragments.

Screen for mitochondrial DNA copy number maintenance genes reveals essential role for ATP synthase

The machinery of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) maintenance is only partially characterized and is of wide interest due to its involvement in disease. To identify novel components of this machinery, plus other cellular pathways required for mtDNA viability, we implemented a genome-wide RNAi screen in Drosophila S2 cells, assaying for loss of fluorescence of mtDNA nucleoids stained with the DNA-intercalating agent PicoGreen. In addition to previously characterized components of the mtDNA replication and transcription machineries, positives included many proteins of the cytosolic proteasome and ribosome (but not the mitoribosome), three proteins involved in vesicle transport, some other factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis or nuclear gene expression, > 30 mainly uncharacterized proteins and most subunits of ATP synthase (but no other OXPHOS complex). ATP synthase knockdown precipitated a burst of mitochondrial ROS production, followed by copy number depletion involving increased mitochondrial turnover, not dependent on the canonical autophagy machinery. Our findings will inform future studies of the apparatus and regulation of mtDNA maintenance, and the role of mitochondrial bioenergetics and signaling in modulating mtDNA copy number.

Base excision DNA repair levels in mitochondrial lysates of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a senile dementia with increased incidence in older subjects (age >65 years). One of the earliest markers of AD is oxidative DNA damage. Recently, it has been reported that preclinical AD patient brains show elevated levels of oxidative damage in both nuclear and mitochondrial nucleic acids. Moreover, different oxidative lesions in mitochondrial DNA are between 5- and 10-fold higher than in nuclear DNA in both control and AD postmortem brains. We previously showed that there is a significant loss of base excision repair (BER) components in whole tissue extracts of AD and mild cognitive impairment subjects relative to matched control subjects. However, comprehensive analysis of specific steps in BER levels in mitochondrial extracts of AD patient brains is not available. In this study, we mainly investigated various components of BER in mitochondrial extracts of AD and matched control postmortem brain samples. We found that the 5-hydroxyuracil incision and ligase activities are significantly lower in AD brains, whereas the uracil incision, abasic site cleavage, and deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate incorporation activities are normal in these samples.

DNA ligase III and DNA ligase IV carry out genetically distinct forms of end joining in human somatic cells

Ku-dependent C-NHEJ (classic non-homologous end joining) is the primary DNA EJing (end joining) repair pathway in mammals. Recently, an additional EJing repair pathway (A-NHEJ; alternative-NHEJ) has been described. Currently, the mechanism of A-NHEJ is obscure although a dependency on LIGIII (DNA ligase III) is often implicated. To test the requirement for LIGIII in A-NHEJ we constructed a LIGIII conditionally-null human cell line using gene targeting. Nuclear EJing activity appeared unaffected by a deficiency in LIGIII as, surprisingly, so were random gene targeting integration events. In contrast, LIGIII was required for mitochondrial function and this defined the gene's essential activity. Human Ku:LIGIII and Ku:LIGIV (DNA ligase IV) double knockout cell lines, however, demonstrated that LIGIII is required for the enhanced A-NHEJ activity that is observed in Ku-deficient cells. Most unexpectedly, however, the majority of EJing events remained LIGIV-dependent. In conclusion, although human LIGIII has an essential function in mitochondrial maintenance, it is dispensable for most types of nuclear DSB repair, except for the A-NHEJ events that are normally suppressed by Ku. Moreover, we describe that a robust Ku-independent, LIGIV-dependent repair pathway exists in human somatic cells.

DNA ligase I is not essential for mammalian cell viability

Of the three DNA ligases present in all vertebrates, DNA ligase I (Lig1) has been considered essential for ligating Okazaki fragments during DNA replication and thereby essential for cell viability. Here, we report the striking finding that a Lig1-null murine B cell line is viable. Surprisingly, the Lig1-null cells exhibit normal proliferation and normal immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch recombination and are not hypersensitive to a wide variety of DNA damaging agents. These findings demonstrate that Lig1 is not absolutely required for cellular DNA replication and repair and that either Lig3 or Lig4 can substitute for the role of Lig1 in joining Okazaki fragments. The establishment of a Lig1-null cell line will greatly facilitate the characterization of DNA ligase function in mammalian cells, but the finding alone profoundly reprioritizes the role of ligase I in DNA replication, repair, and recombination.

Mitochondrial DNA ligase is dispensable for the viability of cultured cells but essential for mtDNA maintenance

Multiple lines of evidence support the notion that DNA ligase III (LIG3), the only DNA ligase found in mitochondria, is essential for viability in both whole organisms and in cultured cells. Previous attempts to generate cells devoid of mitochondrial DNA ligase failed. Here, we report, for the first time, the derivation of viable LIG3-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These cells lack mtDNA and are auxotrophic for uridine and pyruvate, which may explain the apparent lethality of the Lig3 knock-out observed in cultured cells in previous studies. Cells with severely reduced expression of LIG3 maintain normal mtDNA copy number and respiration but show reduced viability in the face of alkylating and oxidative damage, increased mtDNA degradation in response to oxidative damage, and slow recovery from mtDNA depletion. Our findings clarify the cellular role of LIG3 and establish that the loss of viability in LIG3-deficient cells is conditional and secondary to the ρ(0) phenotype.

DNA ligases as therapeutic targets

During DNA replication, DNA joining events link Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. In addition, they are required to repair DNA single- and double-strand breaks and to complete repair events initiated by the excision of mismatched and damaged bases. In human cells, there are three genes encoding DNA ligases. These enzymes are ATP-dependent and contain a conserved catalytic region. Biophysical studies have shown that the catalytic region contains three domains that, in the absence of DNA, are in an extended conformation. When the catalytic region engages a DNA nick, it adopts a compact, ring structure around the DNA nick with each of the three domains contacting the DNA. Protein-protein interactions involving the regions flanking the conserved catalytic regions of human DNA ligases play a major role in directing these enzymes to participate in specific DNA transactions. Among the human LIG genes, the LIG3 gene is unique in that it encodes multiple DNA ligase polypeptides with different N- and C-termini. One of these polypeptides is targeted to mitochondria where it plays an essential role in the maintenance of the mitochondrial genome. In the nucleus, DNA ligases I, III and IV have distinct but overlapping functions in DNA replication and repair. Small molecule inhibitors of human DNA ligases have been identified using structure-based approaches. As expected, these inhibitors are cytotoxic and also potentiate the cytotoxicity of DNA damaging agents. The results of preclinical studies with human cancer cell lines and mouse models of human cancer suggest that DNA ligase inhibitors may have utility as anti-cancer agents.

DNA strand break repair and neurodegeneration

A number of DNA repair disorders are known to cause neurological problems. These disorders can be broadly characterised into early developmental, mid-to-late developmental or progressive. The exact developmental processes that are affected can influence disease pathology, with symptoms ranging from early embryonic lethality to late-onset ataxia. The category these diseases belong to depends on the frequency of lesions arising in the brain, the role of the defective repair pathway, and the nature of the mutation within the patient. Using observations from patients and transgenic mice, we discuss the importance of double strand break repair during neuroprogenitor proliferation and brain development and the repair of single stranded lesions in neuronal function and maintenance.

The maintenance of mitochondrial DNA integrity--critical analysis and update

DNA molecules in mitochondria, just like those in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, are constantly damaged by noxious agents. Eukaryotic cells have developed efficient mechanisms to deal with this assault. The process of DNA repair in mitochondria, initially believed nonexistent, has now evolved into a mature area of research. In recent years, it has become increasingly appreciated that mitochondria possess many of the same DNA repair pathways that the nucleus does. Moreover, a unique pathway that is enabled by high redundancy of the mitochondrial DNA and allows for the disposal of damaged DNA molecules operates in this organelle. In this review, we attempt to present a unified view of our current understanding of the process of DNA repair in mitochondria with an emphasis on issues that appear controversial.

DNA ligases I and III cooperate in alternative non-homologous end-joining in vertebrates

Biochemical and genetic studies suggest that vertebrates remove double-strand breaks (DSBs) from their genomes predominantly by two non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways. While canonical NHEJ depends on the well characterized activities of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and LIG4/XRCC4/XLF complexes, the activities and the mechanisms of the alternative, backup NHEJ are less well characterized. Notably, the contribution of LIG1 to alternative NHEJ remains conjectural and although biochemical, cytogenetic and genetic experiments implicate LIG3, this contribution has not been formally demonstrated. Here, we take advantage of the powerful genetics of the DT40 chicken B-cell system to delineate the roles of LIG1 and LIG3 in alternative NHEJ. Our results expand the functions of LIG1 to alternative NHEJ and demonstrate a remarkable ability for LIG3 to backup DSB repair by NHEJ in addition to its essential function in the mitochondria. Together with results on DNA replication, these observations uncover a remarkable and previously unappreciated functional flexibility and interchangeability between LIG1 and LIG3.

Classical and alternative end-joining pathways for repair of lymphocyte-specific and general DNA double-strand breaks

Classical nonhomologous end joining (C-NHEJ) is one of the two major known pathways for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in mammalian cells. Our understanding of C-NHEJ has been derived, in significant part, through studies of programmed physiologic DNA DSBs formed during V(D)J recombination in the developing immune system. Studies of immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) class-switch recombination (CSR) also have revealed that there is an "alternative" end-joining process (A-EJ) that can function, relatively robustly, in the repair of DSBs in activated mature B lymphocytes. This A-EJ process has also been implicated in the formation of oncogenic translocations found in lymphoid tumors. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of C-NHEJ and A-EJ in the context of V(D)J recombination, CSR, and the formation of chromosomal translocations.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 regulates nuclear reprogramming and promotes iPSC generation without c-Myc

Parp1 can replace c-Myc to promote induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (Parp1) catalyzes poly(ADP-ribosylation) (PARylation) and induces replication networks involved in multiple nuclear events. Using mass spectrometry and Western blotting, Parp1 and PARylation activity were intensively detected in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells, but they were lower in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and differentiated cells. We show that knockdown of Parp1 and pharmacological inhibition of PARylation both reduced the efficiency of iPSC generation induced by Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/c-Myc. Furthermore, Parp1 is able to replace Klf4 or c-Myc to enhance the efficiency of iPSC generation. In addition, mouse iPSCs generated from Oct4/Sox2/Parp1-overexpressing MEFs formed chimeric offspring. Notably, the endogenous Parp1 and PARylation activity was enhanced by overexpression of c-Myc and repressed by c-Myc knockdown. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed a direct interaction of c-Myc with the Parp1 promoter. PAR-resin pulldown, followed by proteomic analysis, demonstrated high levels of PARylated Chd1L, DNA ligase III, SSrp1, Xrcc-6/Ku70, and Parp2 in pluripotent cells, which decreased during the differentiation process. These data show that the activation of Parp1, partly regulated by endogenous c-Myc, effectively promotes iPSC production and helps to maintain a pluripotent state by posttranslationally modulating protein PARylation.

X-ray repair cross complementing protein 1 in base excision repair

X-ray Repair Cross Complementing protein 1 (XRCC1) acts as a scaffolding protein in the converging base excision repair (BER) and single strand break repair (SSBR) pathways. XRCC1 also interacts with itself and rapidly accumulates at sites of DNA damage. XRCC1 can thus mediate the assembly of large multiprotein DNA repair complexes as well as facilitate the recruitment of DNA repair proteins to sites of DNA damage. Moreover, XRCC1 is present in constitutive DNA repair complexes, some of which associate with the replication machinery. Because of the critical role of XRCC1 in DNA repair, its common variants Arg194Trp, Arg280His and Arg399Gln have been extensively studied. However, the prevalence of these variants varies strongly in different populations, and their functional influence on DNA repair and disease remains elusive. Here we present the current knowledge about the role of XRCC1 and its variants in BER and human disease/cancer.

Folate and colorectal cancer in rodents: a model of DNA repair deficiency

Fortification of grains has resulted in a positive public health outcome vis-a-vis reduced incidence of neural tube defects. Whether folate has a correspondingly beneficial effect on other disease outcomes is less clear. A role for dietary folate in the prevention of colorectal cancer has been established through epidemiological data. Experimental data aiming to further elucidate this relationship has been somewhat equivocal. Studies report that folate depletion increases DNA damage, mutagenesis, and chromosomal instability, all suggesting inhibited DNA repair. While these data connecting folate depletion and inhibition of DNA repair are convincing, we also present data demonstrating that genetic inhibition of DNA repair is protective in the development of preneoplastic colon lesions, both when folate is depleted and when it is not. The purpose of this paper is to (1) give an overview of the data demonstrating a DNA repair defect in response to folate depletion, and (2) critically compare and contrast the experimental designs utilized in folate/colorectal cancer research and the corresponding impact on tissue folate status and critical colorectal cancer endpoints. Our analysis suggests that there is still an important need for a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of differential dietary prescriptions on blood and tissue folate status.

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA repair in selected eukaryotic aging model systems

Knowledge about the different mechanisms underlying the aging process has increased exponentially in the last decades. The fact that the basic mechanisms involved in the aging process are believed to be universal allows the use of different model systems, from the simplest eukaryotic cells such as fungi to the most complex organisms such as mice or human. As our knowledge on the aging mechanisms in those model systems increases, our understanding of human aging and the potential interventions that we could approach rise significantly. Among the different mechanisms that have been implicated in the aging process, DNA repair is one of the processes which have been suggested to play an important role. Here, we review the latest investigations supporting the role of these mechanisms in the aging process, stressing how beneficial the use of different model systems is. We discuss how human genetic studies as well as several investigations on mammalian models and simpler eukaryotic organisms have contributed to a better understanding of the involvement of DNA repair mechanisms in aging.

Human RECQL5 participates in the removal of endogenous DNA damage

Human RECQL5 is a member of the RecQ helicase family, which maintains genome stability via participation in many DNA metabolic processes, including DNA repair. Human cells lacking RECQL5 display chromosomal instability. We find that cells depleted of RECQL5 are sensitive to oxidative stress, accumulate endogenous DNA damage, and increase the cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl)ate response. In contrast to the RECQ helicase family members WRN, BLM, and RECQL4, RECQL5 accumulates at laser-induced single-strand breaks in normal human cells. RECQL5 depletion affects the levels of PARP-1 and XRCC1, and our collective results suggest that RECQL5 modulates and/or directly participates in base excision repair of endogenous DNA damage, thereby promoting chromosome stability in normal human cells.

Overview of base excision repair biochemistry

Base excision repair (BER) is an evolutionarily conserved pathway, which could be considered the "workhorse" repair mechanism of the cell. In particular, BER corrects most forms of spontaneous hydrolytic decay products in DNA, as well as everyday oxidative and alkylative modifications to bases or the sugar phosphate backbone. The repair response involves five key enzymatic steps that aim to remove the initial DNA lesion and restore the genetic material back to its original state: (i) excision of a damaged or inappropriate base, (ii) incision of the phosphodiester backbone at the resulting abasic site, (iii) termini clean-up to permit unabated repair synthesis and/or nick ligation, (iv) gap-filling to replace the excised nucleotide, and (v) sealing of the final, remaining DNA nick. These repair steps are executed by a collection of enzymes that include DNA glycosylases, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonucleases, phosphatases, phosphodiesterases, kinases, polymerases and ligases. Defects in BER components lead to reduced cell survival, elevated mutation rates, and DNA-damaging agent hypersensitivities. In addition, the pathway plays a significant role in determining cellular responsiveness to relevant clinical anti-cancer agents, such as alkylators (e.g. temozolomide), nucleoside analogs (e.g. 5-fluorouracil), and ionizing radiation. The molecular details of BER and the contribution of the pathway to therapeutic agent resistance are reviewed herein.

Mitochondrial DNA damage and its consequences for mitochondrial gene expression

How mitochondria process DNA damage and whether a change in the steady-state level of mitochondrial DNA damage (mtDNA) contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction are questions that fuel burgeoning areas of research into aging and disease pathogenesis. Over the past decade, researchers have identified and measured various forms of endogenous and environmental mtDNA damage and have elucidated mtDNA repair pathways. Interestingly, mitochondria do not appear to contain the full range of DNA repair mechanisms that operate in the nucleus, although mtDNA contains types of damage that are targets of each nuclear DNA repair pathway. The reduced repair capacity may, in part, explain the high mutation frequency of the mitochondrial chromosome. Since mtDNA replication is dependent on transcription, mtDNA damage may alter mitochondrial gene expression at three levels: by causing DNA polymerase γ nucleotide incorporation errors leading to mutations, by interfering with the priming of mtDNA replication by the mitochondrial RNA polymerase, or by inducing transcriptional mutagenesis or premature transcript termination. This review summarizes our current knowledge of mtDNA damage, its repair, and its effects on mtDNA integrity and gene expression. This article is part of a special issue entitled: Mitochondrial Gene Expression.