Defects in recombination activity caused by somatic and germline mutations in the multimerization/BRCA2 binding region of human RAD51 protein

The human RAD51 recombinase possesses DNA pairing and strand exchange activities that are essential for the error-free, homology-directed repair of DNA double-strand breaks. The recombination activities of RAD51 are activated upon its assembly into presynaptic filaments on single-stranded DNA at resected DSB ends. Defects in filament assembly caused by mutations in RAD51 or its regulators such as BRCA2 are associated with human cancer. Here we describe two novel RAD51 missense variants located in the multimerization/BRCA2 binding region of RAD51. F86L is a breast tumor-derived somatic variant that affects the interface between adjacent RAD51 protomers in the presynaptic filament. E258A is a germline variant that maps to the interface region between the N-terminal and RecA homology domains of RAD51. Both variants exhibit abnormal biochemistry including altered DNA strand exchange activity. Both variants inhibit the DNA strand exchange activity of wild-type RAD51, suggesting a mechanism for negative dominance. The inhibitory effect of F86L on wild-type RAD51 is surprising since F86L alone exhibits robust DNA strand exchange activity. Our findings indicate that even DNA strand exchange-proficient variants can have negative functional interactions with wild-type RAD51. Thus heterozygous F86L or E258 mutations in RAD51 could promote genomic instability, and thereby contribute to tumor progression.     

Mechanistic insights into RAD51-associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1) action in homologous DNA repair

Homologous recombination catalyzed by the RAD51 recombinase is essential for maintaining genome integrity upon the induction of DNA double strand breaks and other DNA lesions. By enhancing the recombinase activity of RAD51, RAD51AP1 (RAD51-associated protein 1) serves a key role in homologous recombination-mediated chromosome damage repair. We show here that RAD51AP1 harbors two distinct DNA binding domains that are both needed for maximal protein activity under physiological conditions. We have finely mapped the two DNA binding domains in RAD51AP1 and generated mutant variants that are impaired in either or both of the DNA binding domains. Examination of these mutants reveals that both domains are indispensable for RAD51AP1 function in cells. These and other results illuminate the mechanistic basis of RAD51AP1 action in homologous DNA repair.     

RAD51调控REV1参与DNA双链断裂修复

REV1是跨损伤聚合酶Y家族的重要成员之一,它不仅作为支架蛋白介导Y家族聚合酶招募至损伤位点完成跨损伤DNA合成(translesion DNA synthesis, TLS),还可利用自身的dCMP转移酶活性在一些损伤位点对侧整合dCMP参与TLS。此外,REV1也被报导参与调控同源重组修复。为进一步探讨REV1互作蛋白RAD51和RAD51C在其参与的同源重组修复通路中的调控作用,本研究采用脉冲氮激光微辐射实验,发现RAD51可调控REV1到双链断裂位点的募集。同时,免疫荧光实验结果证明REV1也反过来影响RAD51应答CPT损伤。然而敲低RAD51C并不影响REV1到DNA双链断裂位点的招募。结果表明,REV1和RAD51在HR通路中存在彼此相互调控的关系。     

Role of RAD51AP1 in homologous recombination DNA repair and carcinogenesis

Homologous recombination (HR) serves to repair DNA double-strand breaks and damaged replication forks and is essential for maintaining genome stability and tumor suppression. HR capacity also determines the efficacy of anticancer therapy. Hence, there is an urgent need to better understand all HR proteins and sub-pathways. An emerging protein that is critical for RAD51-mediated HR is RAD51-associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1). Although much has been learned about its biochemical attributes, the precise molecular role of RAD51AP1 in the HR reaction is not yet fully understood. The available literature also suggests that RAD51AP1 expression may be relevant for cancer development and progression. Here, we review the efforts that led to the discovery of RAD51AP1 and elaborate on our current understanding of its biochemical profile and biological function. We also discuss how RAD51AP1 may help to promote cancer development and why it could potentially represent a promising new target for therapeutic intervention.     

Role of human RAD51 recombinase in the cycle checkpoint and survival of a cell

The RAD 51 protein, a eukaryotic homologue of Escherichia coli RecA, plays a significant role in both mitotic and meiotic homologous recombination. Here, we demonstrate that short-term silencing of the Rad51 gene by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) that inhibits cell proliferation and reduces the viability of most cells. Cells with suppressed expression of Rad51 gene have altered cell cycles and accumulate in the S and G₂ phases. Our findings show that the disruption of homologous recombination leads to cell death. However, some cells, e.g., MCF-7 cells, are insensitive to the suppression of Rad51 gene expression.     

Two distinct conformational states define the interaction of human RAD51‐ATP with single‐stranded DNA

An essential mechanism for repairing DNA double‐strand breaks is homologous recombination (HR). One of its core catalysts is human RAD51 (hRAD51), which assembles as a helical nucleoprotein filament on single‐stranded DNA, promoting DNA‐strand exchange. Here, we study the interaction of hRAD51 with single‐stranded DNA using a single‐molecule approach. We show that ATP‐bound hRAD51 filaments can exist in two different states with different contour lengths and with a free‐energy difference of ~4 k_BT per hRAD51 monomer. Upon ATP hydrolysis, the filaments convert into a disassembly‐competent ADP‐bound configuration. In agreement with the single‐molecule analysis, we demonstrate the presence of two distinct protomer interfaces in the crystal structure of a hRAD51‐ATP filament, providing a structural basis for the two conformational states of the filament. Together, our findings provide evidence that hRAD51‐ATP filaments can exist in two interconvertible conformational states, which might be functionally relevant for DNA homology recognition and strand exchange.     

Brh2 and Rad51 promote telomere maintenance in Ustilago maydis,a new model system of DNA repair proteins at telomeres

Recent studies implicate a number of DNA repair proteins in mammalian telomere maintenance. However, because several key repair proteins in mammals are missing from the well-studied budding and fission yeast, their roles at telomeres cannot be modeled in standard fungi. In this report, we explored the dimorphic fungus Ustilago maydis as an alternative model for telomere research. This fungus, which belongs to the phylum Basidiomycota, has a telomere repeat unit that is identical to the mammalian repeat, as well as a constellation of DNA repair proteins that more closely mimic the mammalian collection. We showed that the two core components of homology-directed repair (HDR) in U. maydis, namely Brh2 and Rad51, both promote telomere maintenance in telomerase positive cells, just like in mammals. In addition, we found that Brh2 is localized to telomeres in vivo, suggesting that it acts directly at chromosome ends. We surveyed a series of mutants with DNA repair defects, and found many of them to have short telomeres. Our results indicate that factors involved in DNA repair are probably also needed for optimal telomere maintenance in U. maydis, and that this fungus is a useful alternative model system for telomere research.     

The interaction profile of homologous recombination repair proteins RAD51C,RAD51D and XRCC2 as determined by proteomic analysis

The RAD51 family of proteins is involved in homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair and maintaining chromosome integrity. To identify candidates that interact with HR proteins, the mouse RAD51C, RAD51D and XRCC2 proteins were purified using bacterial expression systems and each of them used to co‐precipitate interacting partners from mouse embryonic fibroblast cellular extracts. Mass spectroscopic analysis was performed on protein bands obtained after 1‐D SDS‐PAGE of co‐precipitation eluates from cell extracts of mitomycin C treated and untreated mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Profiling of the interacting proteins showed a clear bias toward nucleic acid binding and modification proteins. Interactions of four candidate proteins (SFPQ, NONO, MSH2 and mini chromosome maintenance protein 2) were confirmed by Western blot analysis of co‐precipitation eluates and were also verified to form ex vivo complexes with RAD51D. Additional interacting proteins were associated with cell division, embryo development, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, cellular trafficking, protein synthesis, modification or folding, and cell structure or motility functions. Results from this study are an important step toward identifying interacting partners of the RAD51 paralogs and understanding the functional diversity of proteins that assist or regulate HR repair mechanisms.     

NEK8 regulates DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci formation and replication fork protection

Proteins essential for homologous recombination play a pivotal role in the repair of DNA double strand breaks, DNA inter-strand crosslinks and replication fork stability. Defects in homologous recombination also play a critical role in the development of cancer and the sensitivity of these cancers to chemotherapy. RAD51, an essential factor for homologous recombination and replication fork protection, accumulates and forms immunocytochemically detectable nuclear foci at sites of DNA damage. To identify kinases that may regulate RAD51 localization to sites of DNA damage, we performed a human kinome siRNA library screen, using DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci formation as readout. We found that NEK8, a NIMA family kinase member, is required for efficient DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci formation. Interestingly, knockout of Nek8 in murine embryonic fibroblasts led to cellular sensitivity to the replication inhibitor, hydroxyurea, and inhibition of the ATR kinase. Furthermore, NEK8 was required for proper replication fork protection following replication stall with hydroxyurea. Loading of RAD51 to chromatin was decreased in NEK8-depleted cells and Nek8-knockout cells. Single-molecule DNA fiber analyses revealed that nascent DNA tracts were degraded in the absence of NEK8 following treatment with hydroxyurea. Consistent with this, Nek8-knockout cells showed increased chromosome breaks following treatment with hydroxyurea. Thus, NEK8 plays a critical role in replication fork stability through its regulation of the DNA repair and replication fork protection protein RAD51.     

DNA double-strand break repair signalling: the case of RAD51 post-translational regulation

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the major lethal lesion induced by ionizing radiation or by replication block. However, cells can take advantage of DSB-induced recombination in order to generate genetic diversity in physiological processes such as meiosis and V(D)J recombination. Two main alternative pathways compete for DSB repair: homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). This review will briefly present the mechanisms and the enzymatic complex for HR and NHEJ. The signalling of the DSB through the ATM pathway will be presented. Then, we will focus on the case of the RAD51 protein, which plays a pivotal role in HR and is conserved from bacteria to humans. Post-translational regulation of RAD51 is presented. Two contrasting situations are discussed: one with up-regulation (expression of the oncogene BCR/ABL) and one with a down-regulation (expression of the oncogene BCL-2) of RAD51, associated with apoptosis inhibition and tumour predisposition.     

Differing requirements for the Arabidopsis Rad51 paralogs in meiosis and DNA repair

In addition to the recombinase Rad51, vertebrates have five paralogs of Rad51, all members of the Rad51-dependent recombination pathway. These paralogs form two complexes (Rad51C/Xrcc3 and Rad51B/C/D/Xrcc2), which play roles in somatic recombination, DNA repair and chromosome stability. However, little is known of their possible involvement in meiosis, due to the inviability of the corresponding knockout mice. We have recently reported that the Arabidopsis homolog of one of these Rad51 paralogs (AtXrcc3) is involved in DNA repair and meiotic recombination and present here Arabidopsis lines carrying mutations in three other Rad51 paralogs (AtRad51B, AtRad51C and AtXrcc2). Disruption of any one of these paralogs confers hypersensitivity to the DNA cross-linking agent Mitomycin C, but not to gamma-irradiation. Moreover, the atrad51c-1 mutant is the only one of these to show meiotic defects similar to those of the atxrcc3 mutant, and thus only the Rad51C/Xrcc3 complex is required to achieve meiosis. These results support conservation of functions of the Rad51 paralogs between vertebrates and plants and differing requirements for the Rad51 paralogs in meiosis and DNA repair.     

Calcitriol Prevents RAD51 Loss and cGAS‐STING‐IFN Response Triggered by Progerin

Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a devastating accelerated aging disease caused by LMNA gene mutation. The truncated lamin A protein produced “progerin” has a dominant toxic effect in cells, causing disruption of nuclear architecture and chromatin structure, genomic instability, gene expression changes, oxidative stress, and premature senescence. It was previously shown that progerin‐induced genomic instability involves replication stress (RS), characterized by replication fork stalling and nuclease‐mediated degradation of stalled forks. RS is accompanied by activation of cGAS/STING cytosolic DNA sensing pathway and STAT1‐regulated interferon (IFN)‐like response. It is also found that calcitriol, the active hormonal form of vitamin D, rescues RS and represses the cGAS/STING/IFN cascade. Here, the mechanisms underlying RS in progerin‐expressing cells and the rescue by calcitriol are explored. It is found that progerin elicits a marked downregulation of RAD51, concomitant with increased levels of phosphorylated‐RPA, a marker of RS. Interestingly, calcitriol prevents RS and activation of the cGAS/STING/IFN response in part through maintenance of RAD51 levels in progerin‐expressing cells. Thus, loss of RAD51 is one of the consequences of progerin expression that can contribute to RS and activation of the IFN response. Stabilization of RAD51 helps explain the beneficial effects of calcitriol in these processes.     

Visualization of direct and diffusion-assisted RAD51 nucleation by full-length human BRCA2 protein

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A mRad51-GFP antimorphic allele affects homologous recombination and DNA damage sensitivity

Accurate DNA double-strand break repair through homologous recombination is essential for preserving genome integrity. Disruption of the gene encoding RAD51, the protein that catalyzes DNA strand exchange during homologous recombination, results in lethality of mammalian cells. Proteins required for homologous recombination, also play an important role during DNA replication. To explore the role of RAD51 in DNA replication and DSB repair, we used a knock-in strategy to express a carboxy-terminal fusion of green fluorescent protein to mouse RAD51 (mRAD51-GFP) in mouse embryonic stem cells. Compared to wild-type cells, heterozygous mRad51^+/wt-GFP embryonic stem cells showed increased sensitivity to DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation and mitomycin C. Moreover, gene targeting was found to be severely impaired in mRad51^+/wt-GFP embryonic stem cells. Furthermore, we found that mRAD51-GFP foci were not stably associated with chromatin. From these experiments we conclude that this mRad51-GFP allele is an antimorphic allele. When this allele is present in a heterozygous condition over wild-type mRad51, embryonic stem cells are proficient in DNA replication but display defects in homologous recombination and DNA damage repair.     

Together yes, but not coupled: new insights into the roles of RAD51 and DMC1 in plant meiotic recombination

The eukaryotic recombinases RAD51 and DMC1 are essential for DNA strand-exchange between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. RAD51 is also expressed during mitosis, and mediates homologous recombination (HR) between sister chromatids. It has been suggested that DMC1 might be involved in the switch from intersister chromatid recombination in somatic cells to interhomolog meiotic recombination. At meiosis, the Arabidopsis Atrad51 null mutant fails to synapse and has extensive chromosome fragmentation. The Atdmc1 null mutant is also asynaptic, but in this case chromosome fragmentation is absent. Thus in plants, AtDMC1 appears to be indispensable for interhomolog homologous recombination, whereas AtRAD51 seems to be more involved in intersister recombination. In this work, we have studied a new AtRAD51 knock-down mutant, Atrad51-2, which expresses only a small quantity of RAD51 protein. Atrad51-2 mutant plants are sterile and hypersensitive to DNA double-strand break induction, but their vegetative development is apparently normal. The meiotic phenotype of the mutant consists of partial synapsis, an elevated frequency of univalents, a low incidence of chromosome fragmentation and multivalent chromosome associations. Surprisingly, non-homologous chromosomes are involved in 51% of bivalents. The depletion of AtDMC1 in the Atrad51-2 background results in the loss of bivalents and in an increase of chromosome fragmentation. Our results suggest that a critical level of AtRAD51 is required to ensure the fidelity of HR during interchromosomal exchanges. Assuming the existence of asymmetrical DNA strand invasion during the initial steps of recombination, we have developed a working model in which the initial step of strand invasion is mediated by AtDMC1, with AtRAD51 required to check the fidelity of this process.     

RNF138 interacts with RAD51D and is required for DNA interstrand crosslink repair and maintaining chromosome integrity

The RAD51 family is integral for homologous recombination (HR) mediated DNA repair and maintaining chromosome integrity. RAD51D, the fourth member of the family, is a known ovarian cancer susceptibility gene and required for the repair of interstrand crosslink DNA damage and preserving chromosomal stability. In this report, we describe the RNF138 E3 ubiquitin ligase that interacts with and ubiquitinates the RAD51D HR protein. RNF138 is a member of an E3 ligase family that contains an amino-terminal RING finger domain and a putative carboxyl-terminal ubiquitin interaction motif. In mammalian cells, depletion of RNF138 increased the stability of the RAD51D protein, suggesting that RNF138 governs ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation of RAD51D. However, RNF138 depletion conferred sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, reduced RAD51 focus formation, and increased chromosomal instability. Site-specific mutagenesis of the RNF138 RING finger domain demonstrated that it was necessary for RAD51D ubiquitination. Presence of RNF138 also enhanced the interaction between RAD51D and a known interacting RAD51 family member XRCC2 in a yeast three-hybrid assay. Therefore, RNF138 is a newly identified regulatory component of the HR mediated DNA repair pathway that has implications toward understanding how ubiquitination modifies the functions of the RAD51 paralog protein complex.     

Double-stranded DNA binding function of RAD51 in DNA protection and its regulation by BRCA2

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A variant of the breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein (BRC) repeat is essential for the RECQL5 helicase to interact with RAD51 recombinase for genome stabilization

The BRC repeat is a structural motif in the tumor suppressor BRCA2 (breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein), which promotes homologous recombination (HR) by regulating RAD51 recombinase activity. To date, the BRC repeat has not been observed in other proteins, so that its role in HR is inferred only in the context of BRCA2. Here, we identified a BRC repeat variant, named BRCv, in the RECQL5 helicase, which possesses anti-recombinase activity in vitro and suppresses HR and promotes cellular resistance to camptothecin-induced replication stress in vivo. RECQL5-BRCv interacted with RAD51 through two conserved motifs similar to those in the BRCA2-BRC repeat. Mutations of either motif compromised functions of RECQL5, including association with RAD51, inhibition of RAD51-mediated D-loop formation, suppression of sister chromatid exchange, and resistance to camptothecin-induced replication stress. Potential BRCvs were also found in other HR regulatory proteins, including Srs2 and Sgs1, which possess anti-recombinase activities similar to that of RECQL5. A point mutation in the predicted Srs2-BRCv disrupted the ability of the protein to bind RAD51 and to inhibit D-loop formation. Thus, BRC is a common RAD51 interaction module that can be utilized by different proteins to either promote HR, as in the case of BRCA2, or to suppress HR, as in RECQL5.     

Distinct roles of FANCO/RAD51C protein in DNA damage signaling and repair: implications for Fanconi anemia and breast cancer susceptibility

RAD51C, a RAD51 paralog, has been implicated in homologous recombination (HR), and germ line mutations in RAD51C are known to cause Fanconi anemia (FA)-like disorder and breast and ovarian cancers. The role of RAD51C in the FA pathway of DNA interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair and as a tumor suppressor is obscure. Here, we report that RAD51C deficiency leads to ICL sensitivity, chromatid-type errors, and G(2)/M accumulation, which are hallmarks of the FA phenotype. We find that RAD51C is dispensable for ICL unhooking and FANCD2 monoubiquitination but is essential for HR, confirming the downstream role of RAD51C in ICL repair. Furthermore, we demonstrate that RAD51C plays a vital role in the HR-mediated repair of DNA lesions associated with replication. Finally, we show that RAD51C participates in ICL and double strand break-induced DNA damage signaling and controls intra-S-phase checkpoint through CHK2 activation. Our analyses with pathological mutants of RAD51C that were identified in FA and breast and ovarian cancers reveal that RAD51C regulates HR and DNA damage signaling distinctly. Together, these results unravel the critical role of RAD51C in the FA pathway of ICL repair and as a tumor suppressor.