REV7-p53 interaction inhibits ATM-mediated DNA damage signaling

REV7 is an abundant, multifunctional protein that is a known factor in cell cycle regulation and in several key DNA repair pathways including Trans-Lesion Synthesis (TLS), the Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway, and DNA Double-Strand Break (DSB) repair pathway choice. Thus far, no direct role has been studied for REV7 in the DNA damage response (DDR) signaling pathway. Here we describe a novel function for REV7 in DSB-induced p53 signaling. We show that REV7 binds directly to p53 to block ATM-dependent p53 Ser15 phosphorylation. We also report that REV7 is involved in the destabilization of p53. These findings affirm REV7's participation in fundamental cell cycle and DNA repair pathways. Furthermore, they highlight REV7 as a critical factor for the integration of multiple processes that determine viability and genome stability.

Origin, patterns and anthropogenic accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface sediments of the Avilés estuary (Asturias, northern Spain)

Sediment quality has been assessed within the Avilés estuary, an important industrial area in the NW of Spain. The study started with a geochemical characterization of the superficial sediments that revealed some anomalous metal(oid)s concentrations in sensitive areas such as beaches or dunes. These data were studied by means of multivariate statistical techniques and enrichment factors calculation to evaluate the correlations and geochemical origin within the different elements. A novel approach using the combination of enrichment factors with a sequential application of factor analysis, clustering and kriging was essential to identify the possible sources of pollution. The collected information suggested that Cd (strongly correlated with Zn and Pb) was the potentially toxic element most widely distributed and problematic. Furthermore, particulate emissions from Zn metallurgy, as well as dust generated by the mineral loading and stockpile activities in the port were identified as the most important sources of pollution.