PALB2 regulates recombinational repair through chromatin association and oligomerization

J Biol Chem. 2009 Jul 3;284(27):18302-10. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.016717. Epub 2009 May 7.

Abstract

Maintenance of genomic stability ensures faithful transmission of genetic information and helps suppress neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis. Although recent progress has advanced our understanding of DNA damage checkpoint regulations, little is known as to how DNA repair, especially the RAD51-dependent homologous recombination repair pathway, is executed in vivo. Here, we reveal novel properties of the BRCA2-associated protein PALB2 in the assembly of the recombinational DNA repair machinery at DNA damage sites. Although the chromatin association of PALB2 is a prerequisite for subsequent BRCA2 and RAD51 loading, the focal accumulation of the PALB2 x BRCA2 x RAD51 complex at DSBs occurs independently of known DNA damage checkpoint and repair proteins. We provide evidence to support that PALB2 exists as homo-oligomers and that PALB2 oligomerization is essential for its focal accumulation at DNA breaks in vivo. We propose that both PALB2 chromatin association and its oligomerization serve to secure the BRCA2 x RAD51 repair machinery at the sites of DNA damage. These attributes of PALB2 are likely instrumental for proficient homologous recombination DNA repair in the cell.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • BRCA2 Protein / genetics
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
  • DNA Repair / physiology*
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group N Protein
  • Genomic Instability / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Rad51 Recombinase / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / chemistry
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • BLID protein, human
  • BRCA2 Protein
  • BRCA2 protein, human
  • Chromatin
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group N Protein
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • PALB2 protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • RAD51 protein, human
  • Rad51 Recombinase