Backbone <Superscript>1</Superscript>H, <Superscript>13</Superscript>C and <Superscript>15</Superscript>N resonance assignments of the OB domain of the single stranded DNA-binding protein hSSB1 (NABP2/OBFC2B) and chemical shift mapping of the DNA-binding interface

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) are highly important in DNA metabolism and play an essential role in all major DNA repair pathways. SSBs are generally characterised by the presence of an oligonucleotide binding (OB) fold which is able to recognise single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with high affinity. We discovered two news SSBs in humans (hSSB1 and hSSB2) that both contain a single OB domain followed by a divergent spacer region and a charged C-terminus. We have extensively characterised one of these, hSSB1 (NABP2/OBFC2B), in numerous important DNA processing events such as, in DNA double-stranded break repair and in the response to oxidative DNA damage. Although the structure of hSSB1 bound to ssDNA has recently been determined using X-ray crystallography, the detailed atomic level mechanism of the interaction of hSSB1 with ssDNA in solution has not been established. In this study we report the solution-state backbone chemical shift assignments of the OB domain of hSSB1. In addition, we have utilized NMR to map the DNA-binding interface of hSSB1, revealing major differences between recognition of ssDNA under physiological conditions and in the recently determined crystal structure. Our NMR data in combination with further biophysical and biochemical experiments will allow us to address these discrepancies and shed light onto the structural basis of DNA-binding by hSSB1 in solution.     

C-termini are essential and distinct for nucleic acid binding of human NABP1 and NABP2

BackgroundHuman Nucleic Acid Binding Protein 1 and 2 (hNABP1 and 2; also known as hSSB2 and 1, respectively) are two newly identified single-stranded (ss) DNA binding proteins (SSB). Both NABP1 and NABP2 have a conserved oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB)-fold domain and a divergent carboxy-terminal domain, the functional importance of which is unknown.MethodsRecombinant hNABP1/2 proteins were purified using affinity and size exclusion chromatography and their identities confirmed by mass spectrometry. Oligomerization state was checked by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Secondary structure was determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Nucleic acid binding ability was examined by EMSA and ITC.ResultsBoth hNABP1 and hNABP2 exist as monomers in solution; however, hNABP2 exhibits anomalous behavior. CD spectroscopy revealed that the C-terminus of hNABP2 is highly disordered. Deletion of the C-terminal tail diminishes the DNA binding ability and protein stability of hNABP2. Although both hNABP1 and hNABP2 prefer to bind ssDNA than double-stranded (ds) DNA, hNABP1 has a higher affinity for ssDNA than hNABP2. Unlike hNABP2, hNABP1 protein binds and multimerizes on ssDNA with the C-terminal tail responsible for its multimerization. Both hNABP1 and hNABP2 are able to bind single-stranded RNA, with hNABP2 having a higher affinity than hNABP1.ConclusionsBiochemical evidence suggests that the C-terminal region of NABP1 and NABP2 is essential for their functionality and may lead to different roles in DNA and RNA metabolism.General significanceThis is the first report demonstrating the regulation and functional properties of the C-terminal domain of hNABP1/2, which might be a general characteristic of OB-fold proteins.     

Backbone and side-chain 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments of the OB domain of the single stranded DNA binding protein from Sulfolobus solfataricus and chemical shift mapping of the DNA-binding interface

Single stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs) are present in all known cellular organisms and are critical for DNA replication, recombination and repair. The SSB from the hyperthermophilic crenarchaeote Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsoSSB) has an unusual domain structure with a single DNA-binding oligonucleotide binding (OB) fold coupled to a flexible C-terminal tail. This ‘simple’ domain organisation differs significantly from other known SSBs, such as human replication protein A (RPA). However, it is conserved in another important human SSB, hSSB1, which we have recently discovered and shown to be essential in the DNA damage response. In this study we report the solution-state backbone and side-chain chemical shift assignments of the OB domain of SsoSSB. In addition, using the recently determined crystal structure, we have utilized NMR to reveal the DNA-binding interface of SsoSSB. These data will allow us to elucidate the structural basis of DNA-binding and shed light onto the molecular mechanism by which these ‘simple’ SSBs interact with single-stranded DNA.     

High-affinity RNA binding by a hyperthermophilic single-stranded DNA-binding protein

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs), including replication protein A (RPA) in eukaryotes, play a central role in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. SSBs utilise an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) fold domain to bind DNA, and typically oligomerise in solution to bring multiple OB fold domains together in the functional SSB. SSBs from hyperthermophilic crenarchaea, such as Sulfolobus solfataricus, have an unusual structure with a single OB fold coupled to a flexible C-terminal tail. The OB fold resembles those in RPA, whilst the tail is reminiscent of bacterial SSBs and mediates interaction with other proteins. One paradigm in the field is that SSBs bind specifically to ssDNA and much less strongly to RNA, ensuring that their functions are restricted to DNA metabolism. Here, we use a combination of biochemical and biophysical approaches to demonstrate that the binding properties of S. solfataricus SSB are essentially identical for ssDNA and ssRNA. These features may represent an adaptation to a hyperthermophilic lifestyle, where DNA and RNA damage is a more frequent event.

     

Single molecule analysis of Thermus thermophilus SSB protein dynamics on single-stranded DNA

Single-stranded (ss) DNA binding (SSB) proteins play central roles in DNA replication, recombination and repair in all organisms. We previously showed that Escherichia coli (Eco) SSB, a homotetrameric bacterial SSB, undergoes not only rapid ssDNA-binding mode transitions but also one-dimensional diffusion (or migration) while remaining bound to ssDNA. Whereas the majority of bacterial SSB family members function as homotetramers, dimeric SSB proteins were recently discovered in a distinct bacterial lineage of extremophiles, the Thermus–Deinococcus group. Here we show, using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), that homodimeric bacterial SSB from Thermus thermophilus (Tth) is able to diffuse spontaneously along ssDNA over a wide range of salt concentrations (20–500 mM NaCl), and that TthSSB diffusion can help transiently melt the DNA hairpin structures. Furthermore, we show that two TthSSB molecules undergo transitions among different DNA-binding modes while remaining bound to ssDNA. Our results extend our previous observations on homotetrameric SSBs to homodimeric SSBs, indicating that the dynamic features may be shared among different types of SSB proteins. These dynamic features of SSBs may facilitate SSB redistribution and removal on/from ssDNA, and help recruit other SSB-interacting proteins onto ssDNA for subsequent DNA processing in DNA replication, recombination and repair.     

Structure and cellular dynamics of Deinococcus radiodurans single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein (SSB)-DNA complexes

The single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein from the radiation-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans (DrSSB) functions as a homodimer in which each monomer contains two oligonucleotide-binding (OB) domains. This arrangement is exceedingly rare among bacterial SSBs, which typically form homotetramers of single-OB domain subunits. To better understand how this unusual structure influences the DNA binding and biological functions of DrSSB in D. radiodurans radiation resistance, we have examined the structure of DrSSB in complex with ssDNA and the DNA damage-dependent cellular dynamics of DrSSB. The x-ray crystal structure of the DrSSB-ssDNA complex shows that ssDNA binds to surfaces of DrSSB that are analogous to those mapped in homotetrameric SSBs, although there are distinct contacts in DrSSB that mediate species-specific ssDNA binding. Observations by electron microscopy reveal two salt-dependent ssDNA-binding modes for DrSSB that strongly resemble those of the homotetrameric Escherichia coli SSB, further supporting a shared overall DNA binding mechanism between the two classes of bacterial SSBs. In vivo, DrSSB levels are heavily induced following exposure to ionizing radiation. This accumulation is accompanied by dramatic time-dependent DrSSB cellular dynamics in which a single nucleoid-centric focus of DrSSB is observed within 1 h of irradiation but is dispersed by 3 h after irradiation. These kinetics parallel those of D. radiodurans postirradiation genome reconstitution, suggesting that DrSSB dynamics could play important organizational roles in DNA repair.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> AlkB interacts with single-stranded DNA binding protein SSB by an intrinsically disordered region of SSB

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins often regulate function through interactions with folded domains. Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein SSB binds and stabilizes single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The N-terminal of SSB contains characteristic OB (oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding) fold which binds ssDNA tightly but non-specifically. SSB also forms complexes with a large number proteins via the C-terminal interaction domain consisting mostly of acidic amino acid residues. The amino acid residues located between the OB-fold and C-terminal acidic domain are known to constitute an IDR and no functional significance has been attributed to this region. Although SSB is known to bind many DNA repair protein, it is not known whether it binds to DNA dealkylation repair protein AlkB. Here, we characterize AlkB SSB interaction and demonstrate that SSB binds to AlkB via the IDR. We have established that AlkB-SSB interaction by in vitro pull-down and yeast two-hybrid analysis. We mapped the site of contact to be the residues 152–169 of SSB. Unlike most of the SSB-binding proteins which utilize C-terminal acidic domain for interaction, IDR of SSB is necessary and sufficient for AlkB interaction.     

From RPA to BRCA2: lessons from single-stranded DNA binding by the OB-fold

Recent years have witnessed tremendous progress in our structural and biophysical understanding of how replication protein A (RPA), a major nuclear ssDNA-binding protein (SSB), binds DNA. The four ssDNA-binding domains of RPA have the characteristic OB (oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding) fold and contact DNA with specific polarity via a hierarchy-driven dynamic pathway. A growing mass of data suggest that many aspects of the ssDNA binding mechanism are conserved among SSBs of different origin. However, this conservation is not restricted to the SSB class. The concepts of ssDNA binding by the OB-fold, first derived from the RPA structure, have been successfully applied to the functional characterization of the BRCA2 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 2) protein. The BRCA2 structure, in its turn, has helped to better understand RPA function.     

Structural Mechanisms of Cooperative DNA Binding by Bacterial Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Proteins

Bacteria encode homooligomeric single-stranded (ss) DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) that coat and protect ssDNA intermediates formed during genome maintenance reactions. The prototypical Escherichia coli SSB tetramer can bind ssDNA using multiple modes that differ by the number of bases bound per tetramer and the magnitude of the binding cooperativity. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cooperative ssDNA binding by SSBs has been hampered by the limited amount of structural information available for interfaces that link adjacent SSB proteins on ssDNA. Here we present a crystal structure of Bacillus subtilis SsbA bound to ssDNA. The structure resolves SsbA tetramers joined together by a ssDNA “bridge” and identifies an interface, termed the “bridge interface,” that links adjacent SSB tetramers through an evolutionarily conserved surface near the ssDNA-binding site. E. coli SSB variants with altered bridge interface residues bind ssDNA with reduced cooperativity and with an altered distribution of DNA binding modes. These variants are also more readily displaced from ssDNA by RecA than wild-type SSB. In spite of these biochemical differences, each variant is able to complement deletion of the ssb gene in E. coli. Together our data suggest a model in which the bridge interface contributes to cooperative ssDNA binding and SSB function but that destabilization of the bridge interface is tolerated in cells.     

DNA ligase III acts as a DNA strand break sensor in the cellular orchestration of DNA strand break repair

In the current model of DNA SSBR, PARP1 is regarded as the sensor of single-strand breaks (SSBs). However, biochemical studies have implicated LIG3 as another possible SSB sensor. Using a laser micro-irradiation protocol that predominantly generates SSBs, we were able to demonstrate that PARP1 is dispensable for the accumulation of different single-strand break repair (SSBR) proteins at sites of DNA damage in live cells. Furthermore, we show in live cells for the first time that LIG3 plays a role in mediating the accumulation of the SSBR proteins XRCC1 and PNKP at sites of DNA damage. Importantly, the accumulation of LIG3 at sites of DNA damage did not require the BRCT domain-mediated interaction with XRCC1. We were able to show that the N-terminal ZnF domain of LIG3 plays a key role in the enzyme''s SSB sensing function. Finally, we provide cellular evidence that LIG3 and not PARP1 acts as the sensor for DNA damage caused by the topoisomerase I inhibitor, irinotecan. Our results support the existence of a second damage-sensing mechanism in SSBR involving the detection of nicks in the genome by LIG3.     

Ultrafast Redistribution of E. coli SSB along Long Single-Stranded DNA via Intersegment Transfer

Single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs) selectively bind single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and facilitate recruitment of additional proteins and enzymes to their sites of action on DNA. SSB can also locally diffuse on ssDNA, which allows it to quickly reposition itself while remaining bound to ssDNA. In this work, we used a hybrid instrument that combines single-molecule fluorescence and force spectroscopy to directly visualize the movement of Escherichia coli SSB on long polymeric ssDNA. Long ssDNA was synthesized without secondary structure that can hinder quantitative analysis of SSB movement. The apparent diffusion coefficient of E. coli SSB thus determined ranged from 70,000 to 170,000 nt²/s, which is at least 600 times higher than that determined from SSB diffusion on short ssDNA oligomers, and is within the range of values reported for protein diffusion on double-stranded DNA. Our work suggests that SSB can also migrate via a long-range intersegment transfer on long ssDNA. The force dependence of SSB movement on ssDNA further supports this interpretation.     

Mechanism of Exonuclease I stimulation by the single-stranded DNA-binding protein

Bacterial single-stranded (ss) DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) bind and protect ssDNA intermediates formed during cellular DNA replication, recombination and repair reactions. SSBs also form complexes with an array of genome maintenance enzymes via their conserved C-terminal tail (SSB-Ct) elements. In many cases, complex formation with SSB stimulates the biochemical activities of its protein partners. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which Escherichia coli SSB stimulates hydrolysis of ssDNA by Exonuclease I (ExoI). Steady-state kinetic experiments show that SSB stimulates ExoI activity through effects on both apparent k(cat) and K(m). SSB variant proteins with altered SSB-Ct sequences either stimulate more modestly or inhibit ExoI hydrolysis of ssDNA due to increases in the apparent Michaelis constant, highlighting a role for protein complex formation in ExoI substrate binding. Consistent with a model in which SSB stabilizes ExoI substrate binding and melts secondary structures that could impede ExoI processivity, the specific activity of a fusion protein in which ExoI is tethered to SSB is nearly equivalent to that of SSB-stimulated ExoI. Taken together, these studies delineate stimulatory roles for SSB in which protein interactions and ssDNA binding are both important for maximal activity of its protein partners.     

Single-stranded DNA binding proteins unwind the newly synthesized double-stranded DNA of model miniforks

Single-stranded DNA binding (SSB) proteins are essential proteins of DNA metabolism. We characterized the binding of the bacteriophage T4 SSB, Escherichia coli SSB, human replication protein A (hRPA), and human hSSB1 proteins onto model miniforks and double-stranded-single-stranded (ds-ss) junctions exposing 3' or 5' ssDNA overhangs. T4 SSB proteins, E. coli SSB proteins, and hRPA have a different binding preference for the ss tail exposed on model miniforks and ds-ss junctions. The T4 SSB protein preferentially binds substrates with 5' ss tails, whereas the E. coli SSB protein and hRPA show a preference for substrates with 3' ss overhangs. When interacting with ds-ss junctions or miniforks, the T4 SSB protein, E. coli SSB protein, and hRPA can destabilize not only the ds part of a ds-ss junction but also the daughter ds arm of a minifork. The T4 SSB protein displays these unwinding activities in a polar manner. Taken together, our results position the SSB protein as a potential key player in the reversal of a stalled replication fork and in gap repair-mediated repetitive sequence expansion.     

Identification of essential and non-essential single-stranded DNA-binding proteins in a model archaeal organism

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) play vital roles in all aspects of DNA metabolism in all three domains of life and are characterized by the presence of one or more OB fold ssDNA-binding domains. Here, using the genetically tractable euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii as a model, we present the first genetic analysis of SSB function in the archaea. We show that genes encoding the OB fold and zinc finger-containing RpaA1 and RpaB1 proteins are individually non-essential for cell viability but share an essential function, whereas the gene encoding the triple OB fold RpaC protein is essential. Loss of RpaC function can however be rescued by elevated expression of RpaB, indicative of functional overlap between the two classes of haloarchaeal SSB. Deletion analysis is used to demonstrate important roles for individual OB folds in RpaC and to show that conserved N- and C-terminal domains are required for efficient repair of DNA damage. Consistent with a role for RpaC in DNA repair, elevated expression of this protein leads to enhanced resistance to DNA damage. Taken together, our results offer important insights into archaeal SSB function and establish the haloarchaea as a valuable model for further studies.     

Interaction of E. coli single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) with exonuclease I. The carboxy-terminus of SSB is the recognition site for the nuclease

The 3'-5' single-stranded DNA(ssDNA) degrading exonuclease I of E. coli directly interacts with the E. coli ssDNA binding protein (EcoSSB). Analytical ultracentrifugation shows that all 4 carboxy-termini of an EcoSSB tetramer bind exonuclease I. Binding is weakened by increasing salt concentrations, indicating the involvement of the negatively charged amino acids of the carboxy-terminus of SSB. Mutant SSB proteins EcoSSBP176S (ssb-113) and EcoSSBF177C do not bindtoexonuclease I while EcoSSBG15D (ssb-3) does bind. In a co-precipitation assay we show that the absence of the lastten amino acids (PMDFDDDIPF) completely abolishes binding of EcoSSB to exonuclease I. The interaction does not depend on the presence of the correct amino-terminal DNA binding domain or the amino acid sequences between the DNA binding domain and the last ten amino acids. A synthetic peptide (WMDFDDDIPF), corresponding to the last nine amino acids of EcoSSB, specifically inhibits the interaction. Both EcoSSBP176S and EcoSSBF177C SSBs bind DNA similar to wild-type EcoSSB, indicating that the phenotype of ssb-113 is not an indication of altered DNA binding. The repair deficiency of either ssb-3 or ssb-113 strain can be complemented by overexpression of the respective other mutant.     

RMPs: recombination/replication mediator proteins.

Enzymes for DNA replication and recombination need to gain access to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) but ssDNA-binding proteins (SSBs) present an obstacle to the formation of enzyme-ssDNA replication and recombination complexes. A specialized class of SSBs, which we designate as recombination/replication mediator proteins (RMPs), promotes enzyme- ssDNA assembly by overcoming SSB inhibition. RMPs exhibit strong conservation of function across divergent species, and display species-specific interactions with SSB and enzymes to neutralize the SSB barrier to enzyme-ssDNA assembly.     

Chimeras of Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis single-stranded DNA binding proteins: characterization and function in Escherichia coli

Single stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs) are vital for the survival of organisms. Studies on SSBs from the prototype, Escherichia coli (EcoSSB) and, an important human pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtuSSB) had shown that despite significant variations in their quaternary structures, the DNA binding and oligomerization properties of the two are similar. Here, we used the X-ray crystal structure data of the two SSBs to design a series of chimeric proteins (mβ1, mβ1'β2, mβ1-β5, mβ1-β6 and mβ4-β5) by transplanting β1, β1'β2, β1-β5, β1-β6 and β4-β5 regions, respectively of the N-terminal (DNA binding) domain of MtuSSB for the corresponding sequences in EcoSSB. In addition, mβ1'β2(ESWR) SSB was generated by mutating the MtuSSB specific 'PRIY' sequence in the β2 strand of mβ1'β2 SSB to EcoSSB specific 'ESWR' sequence. Biochemical characterization revealed that except for mβ1 SSB, all chimeras and a control construct lacking the C-terminal domain (ΔC SSB) bound DNA in modes corresponding to limited and unlimited modes of binding. However, the DNA on MtuSSB may follow a different path than the EcoSSB. Structural probing by protease digestion revealed that unlike other SSBs used, mβ1 SSB was also hypersensitive to chymotrypsin treatment. Further, to check for their biological activities, we developed a sensitive assay, and observed that mβ1-β6, MtuSSB, mβ1'β2 and mβ1-β5 SSBs complemented E. coli Δssb in a dose dependent manner. Complementation by the mβ1-β5 SSB was poor. In contrast, mβ1'β2(ESWR) SSB complemented E. coli as well as EcoSSB. The inefficiently functioning SSBs resulted in an elongated cell/filamentation phenotype of E. coli. Taken together, our observations suggest that specific interactions within the DNA binding domain of the homotetrameric SSBs are crucial for their biological function.     

NEIL1 is the major DNA glycosylase that processes 5-hydroxyuracil in the proximity of a DNA single-strand break

5-Hydroxyuracil (5-OHU) in DNA, arising during endogenous DNA damage and caused by ionizing radiation, is removed by the base excision repair pathway. However, in addition to base lesions, ionizing radiation also generates DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs). When these DNA lesions are located in the proximity of each other, this may result in a profound effect on both repair of the damaged base and the SSB. We therefore examined the repair of DNA substrates containing 5-OHU lesions in the proximity of the 3'-end of a SSB. We found that SSB repair by DNA ligase IIIalpha and DNA polymerase beta is impaired by the presence of the nearby 5-OHU lesion, indicating the requirement for a DNA glycosylase which would be able to remove 5-OHU before SSB repair. Subsequently, we found that although both SMUG1 and NEIL1 are able to excise 5-OHU lesions located in the proximity of the 3'-end of a DNA SSB, NEIL1 is more efficient in the repair of these DNA lesions.     

Integrator3, a Partner of Single-stranded DNA-binding Protein 1, Participates in the DNA Damage Response

Single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 (SSB1) plays an important role in the DNA damage response and maintenance of genomic stability. Here, by using protein affinity purification, we have identified Integrator3 (INT3) as a novel partner of SSB1. INT3 forms a complex with SSB1 by constitutively interacting with SSB1 regardless of DNA damage. However, following DNA damage, along with SSB1, INT3 relocates to the DNA damage sites and regulates the accumulation of TopBP1 and BRCA1 there. Moreover, INT3 controls DNA damage-induced Chk1 activation and G₂/M checkpoint activation. In addition, INT3 is involved in homologous recombination repair by regulating Rad51 foci formation following DNA damage. Taken together, these results demonstrate that INT3 plays a key role in the DNA damage response.The DNA damage response, including DNA damage checkpoint activation and DNA damage repair, ensures genomic stability under genotoxic stress. Among various types of DNA damage, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs)³ are the most deleterious, easily causing chromosomal loss, fusion, and translocation. However, cells can sense and repair DNA DSBs by activating evolutionarily conserved pathways (1–3). Following DNA DSBs, ATM, ATR, and DNAPK, a family homologous to phosphoinositide 3-kinases (4, 5), are activated and phosphorylate histone H2AX at the DNA damage sites (6). Subsequently, phospho-H2AX (γH2AX) provides the platform for accumulation of a larger group of DNA damage response factors, such as MDC1, BRCA1, 53BP1, and TopBP1 (2, 7–9), at the DNA damage sites. Translocalization of these proteins to the DNA DSBs facilitates DNA damage checkpoint activation by activating downstream Chk1/Chk2 kinases, which arrest the cell cycle at G₁, S, or G₂ phase (10). In addition, it also enhances the efficiency of DNA damage repair by recruiting and stabilizing the DNA repair machinery at the DNA damage sites (11).Among these important mediators, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding proteins play important roles during the DNA damage response. For example, following DNA damage, the MRN complex recognizes DNA DSB ends and processes the blunt ends into ssDNA overhangs (12). The replication protein A (RPA) complex, a group of ssDNA-binding proteins, immediately coats these ssDNA overhangs and loads and activates the ATR·ATRIP complex at the DNA damage sites (13). Meanwhile, the RPA complex protects ssDNA from nucleolytic resection and facilitates Rad51 filament formation along ssDNA overhangs, which is a key step for homologous recombination repair (14). Moreover, RPA70 and RPA32 subunits in the complex could recruit several DNA damage response factors to the DNA damage sites that enhance the efficacy of DNA damage repair (15).Besides the RPA complex, several other ssDNA-binding proteins have been identified to participate in the DNA damage response recently. One of them is ssDNA-binding protein 1 (SSB1) (16). Human SSB1 is a 211-amino acid polypeptide with an N-terminal oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide-binding (OB) domain. It has been shown that SSB1 is phosphorylated by ATM and relocates to the DNA damage site following DNA DSBs. Loss of SSB1 impairs DNA damage-induced checkpoint activation and induces genomic instability. Like the RPA complex, SSB1 participates in homologous recombination by facilitating Rad51·ssDNA filament formation and stabilizing Rad51 at the DNA damage sites. Interestingly, SSB1 has a homolog SSB2 that contains an almost identical OB domain at the N terminus. However, the function of SSB2 in the DNA damage response is not clear yet.To examine the molecular mechanism and functional pathway of SSB1 and SSB2 in the DNA damage response, we have searched for functional partners of SSB1 and SSB2 by using protein affinity purification. We have found Integrator3 (INT3) to be a common partner of both SSB1 and SSB2. Like SSB1, following DNA damage, INT3 relocates to the DNA damage sites and regulates ATR activation. Moreover, INT3 not only participates in DNA damage checkpoint activation but also regulates homologous recombination repair. Taken together, we have found a novel mediator in the DNA damage response.