Search

Maintenance of dNTPs pools in Trypanosoma brucei is dependent on both biosynthetic and degradation pathways that together ensure correct cellular homeostasis throughout the cell cycle which is essential for the preservation of genomic stability. Both the salvage and de novo pathways participate in the provision of pyrimidine dNTPs while purine dNTPs are made available solely through salvage. In order to identify enzymes involved in degradation here we have characterized the role of a trypanosomal SAMHD1 orthologue denominated TbHD82. Our results show that TbHD82 is a nuclear enzyme in both procyclic and bloodstream forms of T. brucei. Knockout forms exhibit a hypermutator phenotype, cell cycle perturbations and an activation of the DNA repair response. Furthermore, dNTP quantification of TbHD82 null mutant cells revealed perturbations in nucleotide metabolism with a substantial accumulation of dATP, dCTP and dTTP. We propose that this HD domain-containing protein present in kinetoplastids plays an essential role acting as a sentinel of genomic fidelity by modulating the unnecessary and detrimental accumulation of dNTPs.

The proteins within the Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) family encompass a diverse and integral set of cellular functions. PARP1 and PARP2 have been extensively studied for their roles in DNA repair and as targets for cancer therapeutics. Several PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been approved for clinical use, however, while their efficacy is promising, tumours readily develop PARPi resistance. Many other members of the PARP protein family share catalytic domain homology with PARP1/2, however, these proteins are comparatively understudied, particularly in the context of DNA damage repair and tumourigenesis. This review explores the functions of PARP4,6-16 and discusses the current knowledge of the potential roles these proteins may play in DNA damage repair and as targets for cancer therapeutics.

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality among all cancers, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 85–90% of all lung cancers. Here we investigated the function of COMMD1 in the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and as a prognostic and therapeutic target in NSCLC. COMMD1 function in DSB repair was investigated using reporter assays in COMMD1-siRNA-depleted cells. The role of COMMD1 in NSCLC was investigated using bioinformatic analysis, qRT-PCR and immunoblotting of control and NSCLC cells, tissue microarrays, cell viability and cell cycle experiments. DNA repair assays demonstrated that COMMD1 is required for the efficient repair of DSBs and reporter assays showed that COMMD1 functions in both non-homologous-end-joining and homologous recombination. Bioinformatic analysis showed that COMMD1 is upregulated in NSCLC, with high levels of COMMD1 associated with poor patient prognosis. COMMD1 mRNA and protein were upregulated across a panel of NSCLC cell lines and siRNA-mediated depletion of COMMD1 decreased cell proliferation and reduced cell viability of NSCLC, with enhanced death after exposure to DNA damaging-agents. Bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that COMMD1 levels positively correlate with the gene ontology DNA repair gene set enrichment signature in NSCLC. Taken together, COMMD1 functions in DSB repair, is a prognostic maker in NSCLC and is potentially a novel anti-cancer therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Full Text, Thesis (PhD Doctorate), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), School of Environment and Sc, Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology, Single stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins (SSBPs), are known key players of DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and play an essential role in stabilising fragile ssDNA generated during DNA replication, transcription and repair. The canonical SSBP is the heterotrimeric Replication Protein A (RPA) which is involved in a number of key cellular processes including replication and repair via Homologous Recombination (HR) in the course of DNA damage. Our lab recently described two new SSBPs, termed SSB1 and SSB2 (also known as NABP2/OBFC2B/SOSS-B1 and NABP1/OBFC2A/SOSSB-2, respectively) which form independent co-complexes with two additional proteins, the Integrator complex subunit 3 (INTS3) and the chromosome 9 open reading frame 80 (C9ORF80), a small acidic 104 residue polypeptide. Previously, we demonstrated that whilst Ssb1/Nabp2 KO in mouse caused perinatal lethality, Ssb2/Nabp1 KO did not lead to any phenotypic abnormalities. Interestingly, ablation of Ssb1 led to stabilisation of Ssb2 and vice-versa, indicating functional redundancy between these two proteins. This was recently demonstrated in-vivo by the generation of Ssb1 and Ssb2 (together referred as Ssb1/2) double-knockout (DKO) mice, which caused early embryonic lethality in a constitutive model and acute bone marrow failure and intestinal atrophy using the inducible Rosa26-CreERT2 system. To delineate the functional redundancy between these two proteins at the molecular level, we have generated inducible DKO mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) using the Rosa26-CreERT2 system, which will be described in the first research chapter. We found that cumulative loss of Ssb1/2 in the primary as well as SV40-immortalised MEFs led to acute proliferation arrest and cell death following TAM administration. This was associated with accumulation of genomic instability via endogenous replication stress. Although loss of Ssb1/2 in-vivo and in-vitro is associated with accumulation of R-loops, the overall DKO phenotype was no

A faithful cell division is essential for proper cellular proliferation of all eukaryotic cells; indeed the correct segregation of the genetic material allows daughter cells to proceed into the cell cycle safely. Conversely, errors during chromosome partition generate aneuploid cells that have been associated to several human pathological conditions, including cancer. Given the importance of this issue, all the steps that lead to cell separation are finely regulated. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a unicellular eukaryotic organism that divides asymmetrically and it is a suitable model system to study the regulation of cell division. Humans and budding yeast are distant 1 billion years of evolution, nonetheless several essential pathways, proteins, and cellular structures are conserved. Among these, the mitotic spindle is a key player in chromosome segregation and its correct morphogenesis and functioning is essential for genomic stability. In this review we will focus on molecular pathways and proteins involved in the control mitotic spindle morphogenesis and function that are conserved from yeast to humans and whose impairment is connected with the development of human diseases.

This research used a multidisciplinary approach to decipher the function of the atypical protein phosphatase EYA4. By combining molecular and cell biology approaches and in vivo validation in mice, this project investigated the potential novel role of EYA4 in the maintenance of genomic integrity and its implication in breast cancer development. In doing so, EYA4 was identified as a potential novel breast cancer gene that is essential to maintain genomic stability and plays an important role in DNA damage repair. These findings open up new possibilities for cancer diagnostics and anticancer therapeutic approaches.

DNA double-strand breaks are genotoxic lesions whose repair can be templated off an intact DNA duplex through the conserved homologous recombination (HR) pathway. Because it mainly consists of a succession of non-covalent associations of molecules, HR is intrinsically reversible. Reversibility serves as an integral property of HR, exploited and tuned at various stages throughout the pathway with anti- and pro-recombinogenic consequences. Here, we focus on the reversibility of displacement loops (D-loops), a central DNA joint molecule intermediate whose dynamics and regulation have recently been physically probed in somatic S. cerevisiae cells. From homology search to repair completion, we discuss putative roles of D-loop reversibility in repair fidelity and outcome.

Single stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins (SSBPs), are known key players of DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and play an essential role in stabilising fragile ssDNA generated during DNA replication, transcription and repair. The canonical SSBP is the heterotrimeric Replication Protein A (RPA) which is involved in a number of key cellular processes including replication and repair via Homologous Recombination (HR) in the course of DNA damage. Our lab recently described two new SSBPs, termed SSB1 and SSB2 (also known as NABP2/OBFC2B/SOSS-B1 and NABP1/OBFC2A/SOSSB-2, respectively) which form independent co-complexes with two additional proteins, the Integrator complex subunit 3 (INTS3) and the chromosome 9 open reading frame 80 (C9ORF80), a small acidic 104 residue polypeptide. Previously, we demonstrated that whilst Ssb1/Nabp2 KO in mouse caused perinatal lethality, Ssb2/Nabp1 KO did not lead to any phenotypic abnormalities. Interestingly, ablation of Ssb1 led to stabilisation of Ssb2 and vice-versa, indicating functional redundancy between these two proteins. This was recently demonstrated in-vivo by the generation of Ssb1 and Ssb2 (together referred as Ssb1/2) double-knockout (DKO) mice, which caused early embryonic lethality in a constitutive model and acute bone marrow failure and intestinal atrophy using the inducible Rosa26-CreERT2 system. To delineate the functional redundancy between these two proteins at the molecular level, we have generated inducible DKO mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) using the Rosa26-CreERT2 system, which will be described in the first research chapter. We found that cumulative loss of Ssb1/2 in the primary as well as SV40-immortalised MEFs led to acute proliferation arrest and cell death following TAM administration. This was associated with accumulation of genomic instability via endogenous replication stress. Although loss of Ssb1/2 in-vivo and in-vitro is associated with accumulation of R-loops, the overall DKO phenotype was no, Thesis (PhD Doctorate), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), School of Environment and Sc, Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology, Full Text

A faithful cell division is essential for proper cellular proliferation of all eukaryotic cells; indeed the correct segregation of the genetic material allows daughter cells to proceed into the cell cycle safely. Conversely, errors during chromosome partition generate aneuploid cells that have been associated to several human pathological conditions, including cancer. Given the importance of this issue, all the steps that lead to cell separation are finely regulated. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a unicellular eukaryotic organism that divides asymmetrically and it is a suitable model system to study the regulation of cell division. Humans and budding yeast are distant 1 billion years of evolution, nonetheless several essential pathways, proteins, and cellular structures are conserved. Among these, the mitotic spindle is a key player in chromosome segregation and its correct morphogenesis and functioning is essential for genomic stability. In this review we will focus on molecular pathways and proteins involved in the control mitotic spindle morphogenesis and function that are conserved from yeast to humans and whose impairment is connected with the development of human diseases.

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is an important DNA repair pathway that plays critical roles in DNA replication fidelity, mutation avoidance and genome stability, all of which contribute significantly to the viability of cells and organisms. MMR is widely-used as a diagnostic biomarker for human cancers in the clinic, and as a biomarker of cancer susceptibility in animal model systems. Prokaryotic MMR is well-characterized at the molecular and mechanistic level; however, MMR is considerably more complex in eukaryotic cells than in prokaryotic cells, and in recent years, it has become evident that MMR plays novel roles in eukaryotic cells, several of which are not yet well-defined or understood. Many MMR-deficient human cancer cells lack mutations in known human MMR genes, which strongly suggests that essential eukaryotic MMR components/cofactors remain unidentified and uncharacterized. Furthermore, the mechanism by which the eukaryotic MMR machinery discriminates between the parental (template) and the daughter (nascent) DNA strand is incompletely understood and how cells choose between the EXO1-dependent and the EXO1–independent subpathways of MMR is not known. This review summarizes recent literature on eukaryotic MMR, with emphasis on the diverse cellular roles of eukaryotic MMR proteins, the mechanism of strand discrimination and cross-talk/interactions between and co-regulation of MMR and other DNA repair pathways in eukaryotic cells. The main conclusion of the review is that MMR proteins contribute to genome stability through their ability to recognize and promote an appropriate cellular response to aberrant DNA structures, especially when they arise during DNA replication. Although the molecular mechanism of MMR in the eukaryotic cell is still not completely understood, increased used of single-molecule analyses in the future may yield new insight into these unsolved questions.

We proposed that RNASEH2A represents a novel type of gene, up-regulated in lethal prostate cancer to prevent catastrophic genomic instability and cell death and thereby acting to make prostate cancers resistant to treatment with radiation therapy. The major findings include (1) Expression of RNASEH2A in human prostate cancer cell lines. (2) Ability to modulate RNASEH2A expression genetically (3) Modulation of cell cycle, cell migration, transcription invasion and growth of prostate cancer cell lines with RNASEH2A. (4) Radio-resistance of prostate cancer cells that over express RNASEH2A. (5) Association of RNASEH2A with tumor grade. (6)Observation that RNASH2A expression does not independently predict lethal prostate cancer.(7)Observation that RNASH2A expression does predict radio-sensitivity and response to treatment in men who underwent radical prostatectomy and subsequently had post operative radiation., The original document contains color images.

High Mobility Group AT-hook protein 2 (HMGA2) is a non-histone chromatin binding protein expressed in stem cells, cancer cells but not in normal human somatic cells. The presence of HMGA2 in cancer correlates with advanced neoplastic disease and poor prognosis. HMGA2 plays important roles in Base Excision Repair (BER) and at replication forks. HMGA2 is present at mammalian metaphase telomeres and its loss induces chromosomal aberrations. However, the functional role of HMGA2 at telomeres remains elusive. We hypothesized a protective role of HMGA2 that guards telomeres and modulates DNA damage repair signaling pathways. Employing different HMGA2+ human tumor cell models, we investigated the HMGA2-mediated functions that contribute to chemoresistance in glioblastoma (GB). This study presents a novel interaction of HMGA2 with telomeric protein TRF2 (Telomere Repeat-Binding Factor 2). This interaction retains TRF2 at telomeres, thus capping the telomeres and reducing telomere-dysfunction induced foci despite induced telomere stress. Loss of HMGA2 coincides with increased phosphorylation of TRF2, decreased TRF2 retention at telomeres and increased formation of telomeric aggregates, anaphase bridges and micronuclei. These findings provide new evidence for a unique role of HMGA2 at telomeres as a novel contributor of telomeric integrity. We show that upon DNA damage, HMGA2 causes increased and sustained phosphorylation of Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase (ATR) and checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1). Prolonged presence of pCHK1Ser296 coincides with prolonged G2/M block and increased tumor cell survival. The relationship between (ATR)-CHK1 DNA damage response pathway and HMGA2 identifies a novel mechanism by which HMGA2 can alter DNA repair function in cancer cells. We identified HMGA2 as a novel factor contributing to temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in GB. HMGA2 knockdown sensitizes the GB cells to TMZ. We propose a specific combination of FDA-approved drugs, TMZ and Dov

High Mobility Group AT-hook protein 2 (HMGA2) is a non-histone chromatin binding protein expressed in stem cells, cancer cells but not in normal human somatic cells. The presence of HMGA2 in cancer correlates with advanced neoplastic disease and poor prognosis. HMGA2 plays important roles in Base Excision Repair (BER) and at replication forks. HMGA2 is present at mammalian metaphase telomeres and its loss induces chromosomal aberrations. However, the functional role of HMGA2 at telomeres remains elusive. We hypothesized a protective role of HMGA2 that guards telomeres and modulates DNA damage repair signaling pathways. Employing different HMGA2+ human tumor cell models, we investigated the HMGA2-mediated functions that contribute to chemoresistance in glioblastoma (GB). This study presents a novel interaction of HMGA2 with telomeric protein TRF2 (Telomere Repeat-Binding Factor 2). This interaction retains TRF2 at telomeres, thus capping the telomeres and reducing telomere-dysfunction induced foci despite induced telomere stress. Loss of HMGA2 coincides with increased phosphorylation of TRF2, decreased TRF2 retention at telomeres and increased formation of telomeric aggregates, anaphase bridges and micronuclei. These findings provide new evidence for a unique role of HMGA2 at telomeres as a novel contributor of telomeric integrity. We show that upon DNA damage, HMGA2 causes increased and sustained phosphorylation of Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase (ATR) and checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1). Prolonged presence of pCHK1Ser296 coincides with prolonged G2/M block and increased tumor cell survival. The relationship between (ATR)-CHK1 DNA damage response pathway and HMGA2 identifies a novel mechanism by which HMGA2 can alter DNA repair function in cancer cells. We identified HMGA2 as a novel factor contributing to temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in GB. HMGA2 knockdown sensitizes the GB cells to TMZ. We propose a specific combination of FDA-approved drugs, TMZ and Dov

Though BRCA1 has been shown to play a role in DNA end resection, likely critical in the cell s decision to undergo homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining repair pathways, much of BRCA1 function remains unknown. To identify genes that cooperate with BRCA1 in DNA damage response and tumor suppression, we performed a lentiviral vector based cDNA library screen. ZMYND8 (zinc finger Mynd-type containing 8), previously Rack7 (receptor for activated C kinase) or Prkcbp1 (protein kinase C binding protein 1), was identified in our screen as a candidate gene that could modulate the DNA damage hypersensitivity in cells lacking BRCA1. Biochemical data indicates that ZMYND8 might be involved in chromatin reorganization surrounding a stalled fork, which may be vital in preventing collapse and granting genomic stability. Overexpression of ZMYND8 in breast, ovarian, and several other malignancies, could be a novel mechanism to overcome replica-tion stress resulting from BRCA1 dysfunction. This suggests that ZMYND8 and BRCA1 could function epistatically, a phenomenon we continue to investigate using our lab-generated mouse models. In conclusion, our novel findings demonstrate that ZMYND8 is required to prevent the reversal of stalled replication forks, and thereby contributes to the preservation genomic stability under replication stress., The original document contains color images.

BACKGROUND: Genomic stability is one of the crucial prognostic factors for patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). The impact of genomic stability on the tumour tissue proteome of EEC is not yet well established. METHODS: Tissue lysates of EEC, squamous cervical cancer (SCC), normal endometrium and squamous cervical epithelium were subjected to two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and identification of proteins by MALDI TOF MS. Expression of selected proteins was analysed in independent samples by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Diploid and aneuploid genomically unstable EEC displayed similar patterns of protein expression. This was in contrast to diploid stable EEC, which displayed a protein expression profile similar to normal endometrium. Approximately 10% of the differentially expressed proteins in EEC were specific for this type of cancer with differential expression of other proteins observed in other types of malignancy (e.g., SCC). Selected proteins differentially expressed in 2D gels of EEC were further analysed in an EEC precursor lesion, that is, atypical hyperplasia of endometrium, and showed increased expression of CLIC1, EIF4A1 and PRDX6 and decreased expression of ENO1, ANXA4, EMD and Ku70. CONCLUSION: Protein expression in diploid and aneuploid genomically unstable EEC is different from the expression profile of proteins in diploid genomically stable EEC. We showed that changes in expression of proteins typical for EEC could already be detected in precursor lesions, that is, atypical hyperplasia of endometrium, highlighting their clinical potential for improving early diagnostics of EEC.

The Sir2 chromatin regulatory factor links maintenance of genomic stability to life span extension in yeast. The mammalian Sir2 family member SIRT6 has been proposed to have analogous functions, because SIRT6-deficiency leads to shortened life span and an aging-like degenerative phenotype in mice, and SIRT6 knockout cells exhibit genomic instability and DNA damage hypersensitivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects are not fully understood. Here, we show that SIRT6 forms a macromolecular complex with the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair factor DNA-PK (DNA-dependent protein kinase) and promotes DNA DSB repair. In response to DSBs, SIRT6 associates dynamically with chromatin and is necessary for an acute decrease in global cellular acetylation levels on histone H3 Lysine 9. Moreover, SIRT6 is required for mobilization of the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to chromatin in response to DNA damage and stabilizes DNA-PKcs at chromatin adjacent to an induced site-specific DSB. Abrogation of these SIRT6 activities leads to impaired resolution of DSBs. Together, these findings elucidate a mechanism whereby regulation of dynamic interaction of a DNA repair factor with chromatin impacts on the efficiency of repair, and establish a link between chromatin regulation, DNA repair, and a mammalian Sir2 factor.

The Sir2 chromatin regulatory factor links maintenance of genomic stability to life span extension in yeast. The mammalian Sir2 family member SIRT6 has been proposed to have analogous functions, because SIRT6-deficiency leads to shortened life span and an aging-like degenerative phenotype in mice, and SIRT6 knockout cells exhibit genomic instability and DNA damage hypersensitivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects are not fully understood. Here, we show that SIRT6 forms a macromolecular complex with the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair factor DNA-PK (DNA-dependent protein kinase) and promotes DNA DSB repair. In response to DSBs, SIRT6 associates dynamically with chromatin and is necessary for an acute decrease in global cellular acetylation levels on histone H3 Lysine 9. Moreover, SIRT6 is required for mobilization of the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to chromatin in response to DNA damage and stabilizes DNA-PKcs at chromatin adjacent to an induced site-specific DSB. Abrogation of these SIRT6 activities leads to impaired resolution of DSBs. Together, these findings elucidate a mechanism whereby regulation of dynamic interaction of a DNA repair factor with chromatin impacts on the efficiency of repair, and establish a link between chromatin regulation, DNA repair, and a mammalian Sir2 factor.

Genomic instability is one of the key initiating events that lead to breast cancer development. We would like to gain further insights into the regulation of genomic stability and how the disruption of this regulation contributes to tumorigenesis. In the past year, we have identified several new components in the DNA damage pathway that act upstream of BRCA1. We have also discovered a novel link between aging and breast cancer development. In addition, we have established a platform for large-scale purification of protein complexes for the study of networks involved in breast cancer development. On top of these, we are also interested in developing novel agents for cancer treatment. In this arena, we have set up a screen for cytotoxic agents that would target Chfr-deficient tumor cells. In a collaborative study, we identified compounds that would disrupt the interaction between BRCA1 and its binding partners for potential use as radiation sensitizer. Moreover, we have initiated a collection of stable cell lines expressing various protein kinases for the screening of specific kinase inhibitors. Together, these studies will help us understand breast cancer., The original document contains color images.

The recent explosion of DNA sequence information has provided compelling evidence for the following facts. (1) Simple repetitive sequences-microsatellites and minisatellites occur commonly in the human genome and (2) these repetitive DNA sequences could play an important role in the regulation of various genetic processes including modulation of gene expression. These sequences exhibit extensive polymorphism in both length and the composition between species and between organisms of the same species and even cells of the same organism. The repetitive DNA sequences also exhibit structural polymorphism depending on the sequence composition. The functional significance of repetitive DNA is a well-established fact. The work done in many laboratories including ours has conclusively documented the functional role played by repetitive sequences in various cellular processes. Structural studies have established the sequence requirement for various non-B DNA structures and the functional significance of these unusual DNA structures is becoming increasingly clear. The structures that were characterised earlier purely from conformation point of view have aroused interest after the recent realisation that these structures could be formed in vivo when cloned in a supercoiled plasmid. The discovery of novel type of dynamic mutations where intragenic amplifications of trinucleotide repeats is associated with phenotypic changes causing many neurodegenerative disorders has provided the most compelling evidence for the importance of simple repeats in the etiology of these disorders. Secondary structures adopted by these simple repeats is a common causative factor in the mechanism of expansion of these repeats. This realisation prompted many investigations into the relationship between the DNA sequence, structure and molecular basis of dynamic mutation. Many experimental evidences have implicated paranemic DNA structures in various biological processes, especially in the regulation of

Chk2 is a critical regulator of DNA damage repair checkpoint controls. Mutations in Chk2 confer an increased risk of breast cancer. However, the regulation of Chk2-mediated pathways is still not clear. We previously identified Kiaa0170 (later renamed MDC1, Mediator of DNA Damage Checkpoint Protein 1), interacts with Chk2 after DNA damage. We hypothesized that MDC1 is a key regulator of Chk2-dependent pathways, and is directly involved in DNA repair and cell cycle control. Dysfunction of MDC1-Chk2 pathway could be a key event in tumorigenesis. During funding period, we mapped the interaction sites responsible for the Chk2-MDC1 interaction (Task 1). We also show that MDC1 regulates Chk2-dependent cell cycle checkpoint and radiation-induced apoptosis (Task 2). Finally we generated MDC1 knockout mice and provide evidence at the organismal level that MDC1 is a critical regulator of the DNA damage response pathway and genomic stability (revised Task 3). MDC1 mice also show increased tumor incidence, suggesting that MDC1, like Chk2, is a potential tumor suppressor. Our work provide novel insight into the mechanism of the DNA damage response pathway and tumor suppression., The original document contains color images.

The ability to sense DNA damage and activate response pathways that coordinate cell cycle progression and DNA repair is essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity. Based on its conserved BRCT (BRCA1 C-terminal) domains, 53BP1 has been implicated in the DNA damage response. By studying the subcellular localization and molecular interaction of 53BP1, we could show that 53BP1 is rapidly activated in response to ionizing radiation and localizes to the sites of DNA double strand breaks. We mapped the region required for foci formation and could demonstrate that this region interacts with phoshorylated H2AX, a histone 2A variant that keeps 53BP1 in the vicinity of DNA lesions. Other interaction partners of 53BP1 include the tumor suppressor proteins p53 and BRCA1. By using a 53BP1 knock out model, we could show that 53BP1 itself acts as a tumor suppressor and that 53BP1 and p53 deficiency synergize in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the loss of a single 53BP1 allele enhances the susceptibility to cancer in the absence of p53., The original document contains color images.

Telomeres are repetitive sequences that protect the ends of linear chromosomes and shorten during each cell division. Very short telomeres have been associated with changes in gene expression (in yeast) and decreased genomic stability. In the first year we published the first proof that silencing effects can occur at human telomeres. A luciferase reporter near a telomere showed on average a 10-fold reduction in expression relative to internal control genes. Furthermore, we showed that the silencing is reversible through inhibition of hi stone deacetylases and that the strength of silencing is dependent on telomere length. Only 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary and very little is known about the factors influencing sporadic cases. Further study of gene expression near telomeres will help determine whether telomere length could play a role in the progression of breast cancer., Original contains color plates: All DTIC reproductions will be in black and white.

This review provides a survey of those factors that might influence genetic stability of genetically modified organisms and somatic hybrids in breeding programmes. In this respect several aspects may be distinguished: (i) host genomic factors that might influence genetic stability, (ii) events related to the introduction of new DNA into the genome and their effect on genetic stability, (iii) stability of gene expression of newly introduced DNA, and (iv) stability of the modified genome. In our view a gene is defined as being stable if it inherits according to Mendelian laws. Obviously, this can be valid only for nuclear genes. Non-Mendelian inheritance may be caused by intrinsic genomic factors or be the result of skewed segregation during meiosis. Newly introduced DNA may be stably integrated into the genome, yet data on its site of integration is limited. The level of expression and, thus, the strength of the related trait, may vary. Variation in expression may depend on the construct, such as the promoter or additional sequences such as MAR elements or the coding sequence itself, the site of integration and the species used. Another, and undesired, phenomenon is the silencing of expression of introduced genes. The kinds of silencing described depend on the relative position in the genome of the genes involved, cis vs. trans and whether only one or all genes are silenced. Instability of expression generally becomes visible within a few generations, but once expression is stable it is supposed to remain so provided the environment does not change dramatically. Although the production of somatic hybrids seems to be a promising technique to obtain new genetic material and even though numerous hybrids have been made, only a few follow-up studies have been published. Therefore the use of somatic hybrids in breeding programmes is limited.

Intake of folate (vitamin B9) is strongly inversely linked with human cancer risk, particularly colon cancer. In general, people with the highest dietary intake of folate or with high blood folate levels are at a reduced risk (approx. 25%) of developing colon cancer. Folate acts in normal cellular metabolism to maintain genomic stability through the provision of nucleotides for DNA replication and DNA repair and by regulating DNA methylation and gene expression. Folate deficiency can accelerate carcinogenesis by inducing misincorporation of uracil into DNA, by increasing DNA strand breakage, by inhibiting DNA base excision repair capacity and by inducing DNA hypomethylation and consequently aberrant gene and protein expression. Conversely, increasing folate intake may improve genomic stability. This review describes key applications of single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay) in assessing genomic instability (misincorporated uracil, DNA single strand breakage and DNA repair capacity) in response to folate status (deficient or supplemented) in human cells in vitro, in rodent models and in human case-control and intervention studies. It highlights an adaptation of the SCGE comet assay for measuring genome-wide and gene-specific DNA methylation in human cells and colon tissue.

Intake of folate (vitamin B9) is strongly inversely linked with human cancer risk, particularly colon cancer. In general, people with the highest dietary intake of folate or with high blood folate levels are at a reduced risk (approx. 25%) of developing colon cancer. Folate acts in normal cellular metabolism to maintain genomic stability through the provision of nucleotides for DNA replication and DNA repair and by regulating DNA methylation and gene expression. Folate deficiency can accelerate carcinogenesis by inducing misincorporation of uracil into DNA, by increasing DNA strand breakage, by inhibiting DNA base excision repair capacity and by inducing DNA hypomethylation and consequently aberrant gene and protein expression. Conversely, increasing folate intake may improve genomic stability. This review describes key applications of single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay) in assessing genomic instability (misincorporated uracil, DNA single strand breakage and DNA repair capacity) in response to folate status (deficient or supplemented) in human cells in vitro, in rodent models and in human case-control and intervention studies. It highlights an adaptation of the SCGE comet assay for measuring genome-wide and gene-specific DNA methylation in human cells and colon tissue.

Intake of folate (vitamin B9) is strongly inversely linked with human cancer risk, particularly colon cancer. In general, people with the highest dietary intake of folate or with high blood folate levels are at a reduced risk (approx. 25%) of developing colon cancer. Folate acts in normal cellular metabolism to maintain genomic stability through the provision of nucleotides for DNA replication and DNA repair and by regulating DNA methylation and gene expression. Folate deficiency can accelerate carcinogenesis by inducing misincorporation of uracil into DNA, by increasing DNA strand breakage, by inhibiting DNA base excision repair capacity and by inducing DNA hypomethylation and consequently aberrant gene and protein expression. Conversely, increasing folate intake may improve genomic stability. This review describes key applications of single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay) in assessing genomic instability (misincorporated uracil, DNA single strand breakage and DNA repair capacity) in response to folate status (deficient or supplemented) in human cells in vitro, in rodent models and in human case-control and intervention studies. It highlights an adaptation of the SCGE comet assay for measuring genome-wide and gene-specific DNA methylation in human cells and colon tissue.

Intake of folate (vitamin B9) is strongly inversely linked with human cancer risk, particularly colon cancer. In general, people with the highest dietary intake of folate or with high blood folate levels are at a reduced risk (approx. 25%) of developing colon cancer. Folate acts in normal cellular metabolism to maintain genomic stability through the provision of nucleotides for DNA replication and DNA repair and by regulating DNA methylation and gene expression. Folate deficiency can accelerate carcinogenesis by inducing misincorporation of uracil into DNA, by increasing DNA strand breakage, by inhibiting DNA base excision repair capacity and by inducing DNA hypomethylation and consequently aberrant gene and protein expression. Conversely, increasing folate intake may improve genomic stability. This review describes key applications of single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay) in assessing genomic instability (misincorporated uracil, DNA single strand breakage and DNA repair capacity) in response to folate status (deficient or supplemented) in human cells in vitro, in rodent models and in human case-control and intervention studies. It highlights an adaptation of the SCGE comet assay for measuring genome-wide and gene-specific DNA methylation in human cells and colon tissue.