Human CtIP promotes DNA end resection

Nature. 2007 Nov 22;450(7169):509-14. doi: 10.1038/nature06337. Epub 2007 Oct 28.

Abstract

In the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are processed into single-stranded DNA, triggering ATR-dependent checkpoint signalling and DSB repair by homologous recombination. Previous work has implicated the MRE11 complex in such DSB-processing events. Here, we show that the human CtIP (RBBP8) protein confers resistance to DSB-inducing agents and is recruited to DSBs exclusively in the S and G2 cell-cycle phases. Moreover, we reveal that CtIP is required for DSB resection, and thereby for recruitment of replication protein A (RPA) and the protein kinase ATR to DSBs, and for the ensuing ATR activation. Furthermore, we establish that CtIP physically and functionally interacts with the MRE11 complex, and that both CtIP and MRE11 are required for efficient homologous recombination. Finally, we reveal that CtIP has sequence homology with Sae2, which is involved in MRE11-dependent DSB processing in yeast. These findings establish evolutionarily conserved roles for CtIP-like proteins in controlling DSB resection, checkpoint signalling and homologous recombination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Conserved Sequence
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded / drug effects
  • DNA Repair* / drug effects
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Endodeoxyribonucleases
  • Endonucleases
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • G2 Phase
  • Humans
  • MRE11 Homologue Protein
  • Nuclear Proteins / deficiency
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Recombination, Genetic* / drug effects
  • S Phase
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • MRE11 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • SAE2 protein, S cerevisiae
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • DNA
  • ATR protein, human
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Endodeoxyribonucleases
  • Endonucleases
  • MRE11 Homologue Protein
  • RBBP8 protein, human